THE  LOYAL  RON  INS 


Chap.  xv. 


The  Two  Original-helps. 


THE  LOYAL  RONINS 


AN    HISTORICAL    ROMANCE,     TRANSLATED     FROM     THE     JAPANESE 


OF 


TAMENAGA   SHUNSUI 

BY 

SHIUICHIRO  SAITO  AND  EDWARD  GREEY 

ILLUSTRATED   BY 

KEI-SAI    YEI-SEN,  OF  YEDO 


"  This  is  the  Legacy  of  the  Loyal  Samurai.    The  friction  of  Time,  which  obliterates 
most  things,  adds  lustre  to  their  fame." 

TAMENAGA  SHUNSUI 
(OLD  MAN) 


NEW    YORK 
G.     P.     PUTNAM'S     SONS 

182     FIFTH     AVENUE 
l88o 


COPYRIGHT  BY 

G.  P.  PUTNAM'S  SONS 

1880 


The  illustrated  cover  of  this  book  was  designed  and  drawn  by 
Mr.  Edward  Greey. 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  brilliant  display  made  by  Japan  at  the  Inter- 
national Exhibition  at  Philadelphia  gave  an  impetus  to 
the  interest  already  excited  among  Western  nations  con- 
cerning Japanese  art,  and  from  that  time  the  subject  has 
commanded  the  wonder  and  admiration  pf  the  world.  In- 
deed, at  no  distant  period,  the  names  of  Hokusai  and  of 
the  Kano  Brothers  are  destined,  like  those  of  Raphael  and 
Hogarth,  to  become  household  words  in  every  American 
and  European  family. 

The  literature  of  a  people  and  their  works  of  art  are  signs 
by  which  the  student  is  enabled  to  learn  the  degree  of 
civilization  and  refinement  attained  by  a  nation,  and  it  can- 
not be  denied  that  the  Japanese,  who  have  achieved  so 
much  in  art,  possess  a  literature  of  no  mean  order. 

Foremost  in  the  ranks  of  her  celebrated  writers  are 
Bakin  and  Tamenaga,  and  the  Western  world,  which  has 
already  acknowledged  the  genius  of  Hokusai  and  of  the 
Kano  Brothers,  will  not  fail  to  appreciate  the  wit  and  pathos 
to  be  found  in  the  writings  of  the  authors  whose  names  I 
have  quoted. 


iv  INTRODUCTION. 

For  many  reasons,  which  I  need  not  here  mention,  the 
works  of  our  writers  have  been  sealed  to  American  and 
English  readers.  It  is  true,  in  "  Mitford's  Tales  of  Old 
Japan,"  something  has  been  related  of  the  social  condition 
of  the  people ;  but  as  an  example  of  Japanese  literature, 
the  book  possesses  little  value.  Within  the  last  ten  years 
the  pages  of  the  "  Japan  Mail  "  have  contained  many  arti- 
cles of  great  interest ;  however,  few  persons  are  aware  of 
the  existence  of  such  a  periodical. 

Three  years  ago  I  determined  to  translate  a  standard 
Japanese  novel,  and  thus  supply  a  want  I  knew  was  greatly 
felt  by  those  interested  in  my  country. 

After  some  thought  I  decided  to  take  the  "  I-ro-ha 
Bunko  "  of  Tamenaga  ;  first,  because  he  is  one  of  the  most 
popular  of  our  writers ;  secondly,  on  account  of  the  romance 
containing  a  wonderful  description  of  Japanese  life  under 
the  feudal  system,  and  of  an  institution,  which,  for  more 
than  seven  hundred  years,  has  exerted  a  most  powerful  in- 
fluence over  the  nation. 

Notwithstanding  many  misrepresentations  and  expres- 
sions of  disgust  heaped  upon  Roninism,  I  feel  sure  those 
who  have  written  upon  the  subject  have  only  seen  "  one 
side  of  the  picture."  While  I  am  the  last  person  to  defend 
lawless  acts,  I  cannot  avoid  feeling  a  certain  admiration  for 
the  much-despised  institution,  believing  that  it  contained 
the  germ  of  patriotism. 

The  author  and  book  having  been  decided  upon,  I,  in  the 
summer  of  1879,  began  my  task  ;  but  finding  myself  un- 
equal to  the  work,  sought  and  obtained  the  assistance  of 


INTRODUCTION.  V 

an  estimable  lady  residing  in  Boston.  Although  I  had  her 
hearty  and  sympathetic  cooperation,  I  failed  to  make  sat- 
isfactory progress  and  we  abandoned  the  attempt. 

In  October,  my  attention  was  called  to  the  Japanese 
stories  of  Mr.  Edward  Greey,  of  Manchester,  Mass.,  which 
greatly  delighted  me,  they  giving  most  graphic,  amusing, 
and  instructive  descriptions  of  the  manners  and  customs  of 
my  countrymen,  and  showing  the  author's  thorough  fa- 
miliarity with  our  literature.  1  wrote  to  him  at  once,  and 
our  acquaintance,  so  interestingly  begun,  soon  ripened  into 
friendship.  I  discovered  Mr.  Greey  had  not  only  lived 
many  years  in  the  East,  and  knew  Japan  from  Yezo  to 
Kiusiu,  but  that  he  is  also  an  accomplished  Japanese  artist. 
During  the  following  January,  I  mentioned  to  him  my  at- 
tempt with  "  I-ro-ha  Bunko,"  when  he  recognized  the  work 
and  agreed  to  join  me  in  its  translation.  The  result  is  be- 
fore the  reader. 

To  those  who  have  assisted  Mr.  Greey  and  myself,  I  ten- 
der my  most  hearty  thanks,  especially  to  Mr.  Gilbert  Att- 
wood,  of  Jamaica  Plain,  Mass.,  who  has  for  many  years  been 
a  sincere  friend  to  Japan  and  the  Japanese,  and  without 
whose  kind  and  generous  surrender  of  his  copy  of  "  I-ro- 
ha  Bunko,"  we  would  not  have  been  able  to  complete  this 
translation.  To  Mrs.  Edward  Greey,  who  so  kindly  copied 
the  Mss.  for  the  printers,  I  return  my  best  thanks ;  also  to 
Mr.  Makoto  Fukui,  of  New  York,  and  Mr.  A.  Van  Name,  Li- 
brarian of  Yale  College,  for  the  loan  of  copies  of  Tamena- 
ga's  works  ;  and  to  Mr.  John  A.  Lowell,  of  Boston,  who  has 
done  so  much  to  bring  Japanese  art  before  the  public,  and 


vi  INTRODUCTION. 

who  so  freely  gave  us  the  use  of  his  library  of  Japanese 
books. 

I  feel  especially  happy  in  being  able  to  offer  this  trifling 
tribute  of  my  gratitude  to  the  American  people,  with  whom 
I  have  lived  for  the  last  five  years,  and  in  one  of  whose  in- 
stitutions of  learning  I  have  received  the  education  of  which, 
I  hope,  with  the  help  and  guidance  of  the  spirits  of  my  an- 
cestors, I  shall  make  good  use  in  the  service  of  my  sover- 
eign and  country.  Wherever  I  have  been  I  have  received 
a  most  kind  welcome,  and  the  memory  of  the  generous 
hospitality  extended  to  me  will  always  be  retained  in  my 
heart. 

By  the  time  this  work  reaches  you  I  shall  be  crossing  the 
broad  Pacific  on  my  way  home,  yet  I  trust  the  day  is  not 
far  distant  when  I  shall  again  be  among  you  to  study  more 
thoroughly  your  noble  institutions,  which  are  founded  upon 
the  principles  of  freedom  I  so  greatly  love  and  admire. 
Till  then  I  say  Sayonara  (farewell). 

SHIUICHIRO  SAITO. 

Manchester-by-the-Sea,  Mass., 

July  19,  1880.  £f 


--» 


NOTES. 


"The  Loyal  Ronins"  is  one  of  seven  stories  written  by 
Tamenaga  Shunsui  (For-the-sake-of-perpetual  Spring-water), 
and  published  under  the  title  of  "  I-ro-ha  Bunko  "  ("  The 
ABC  Writing-desk  ").  The  edition  used  by  Mr.  Saito  and 
myself  bears  the  imprint  of  Nakamura-ya  Kozo  (Middle-vil- 
lage-store Happy-store-house)  of  Yedo,  and  was  issued  in 
parts,  at  irregular  periods,  between  the  seventh  year  of 
Tempo  (Heaven-secure)  and  the  first  year  of  Kayei  (Fortu- 
tunate-perpetual) — A.D.  1836-1848.  It  is  in  eighteen  vol- 
umes, containing  over  a  hundred  and  eighty  illustrations  by 
Kei-sai  Yei-sen  (Valley-cottage  Superior-spring). 

Tamenaga  founded  the  modern  school  of  Nihonese  fic- 
tion, and  was  the  Charles  Dickens  of  Japan. 

The  author's  arrangement  of  the  romance,  while  perfectly 
intelligible  to  a  Japanese,  would,  if  literally  followed,  have 
utterly  bewildered  our  readers — Tamenaga  taking  for  grant- 
ed that  his  patrons  were  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the 
story  of  the  forty-seven  ronins.  We  were  therefore  com- 
pelled not  only  to  rearrange  the  sequence  of  the  chapters, 
but  to  supply  the  links  in  the  story  omitted  by  the  author. 


Vlll  NOTES. 

These  were  obtained  by  referring  to  "  Ako  Shijiu  hichi-shi 
Den  "  (The  Biography  of  the  Forty-seven  Samurai  of  Ako), 
"  Sei-chu  gi-shi  mei-mei  ga-den  "  (The  Pictorial  Biography 
of  the  Truly  Loyal  Samurai),  and  other  works. 

We  have  endeavored  to  reproduce  Tamenaga's  romance 
without  making  uss  rf  foot-notes  or  those  stumbling-blocks 
to  readers,  Japanese  names  for  persons  and  places.  These 
are,  in  nearly  all  instances,  translated  literally.  In  the 
cases  of  individuals  either  the  surname,  the  given  name, 
or  the  military  title  is  used.  Our  reason  for  retaining 
Japanese  words,  such  as  samurai,  ronin,  sambo,  sak/,  etc., 
was  the  impossibility  of  translating  them  concisely. 

The  original  illustrations  are  in  two  pieces,  an  arrange- 
ment peculiar  to  Japanese  works,  and  one  that,  to  the 
Western  eye,  totally  destroys  the  effect  of  the  pictures. 
Before  reproducing  the  engravings  I  was  compelled  to 
unite  them  and  retouch  the  lines  of  junction. 

Some  of  the  half-cuts  were  engraved  independently  of 
the  others,  and  no  amount  of  ingenuity  would  make  them 
join  correctly. 

Many  very  interesting  pictures  had  to  be  rejected  on  ac- 
count of  their  not  having  any  connection  with  the  letter- 
press. 

Those  who  are  acquainted  with  the  Japanese  language 
will  fully  understand  the  difficulties  we  had  to  overcome  in 
preparing  this  work  for  the  press,  and  none  better  than  our- 
selves know  its  imperfections.  We  "have  not  attempted  to 
translate  the  quaint  sentences  into  elegant  English,  but 
have  done  our  utmost  to  retain  the  unique,  naive  style 


NOTES.  IX 

of   the   author,   believing    it   were    "best    to    leave    well 
alone." 

If  this  specimen  of  Nihonese  literature  pleases  our  read- 
ers, we  are  prepared  to  give  them  other  works  by  Tamen- 
aga,  and  the  romances  of  Bakin,  the  Sir  Walter  Scott  of 
the  Japanese  literary  world. 

EDWARD  GREEY. 

Manchester-by-the-Sea,  Mass. 

July  19,  1880  ^ 

F 


F 

.» 


AUTHOR'S    PREFACE. 


During  the  long  winter  evenings  of  my  child- 
hood, when  the  lamp  burned  dimly  in  the  paper 
lantern  and  but  partly  revealed  the  pictures  on  the 
screens,  I  often  sat  by  the  fire-bowl  and  listened 
with  awed  face  to  my  honored  mother,  who,  to  com- 
pensate me  for  the  gloom  of  the  apartment,  would 
relate  stories  of  the  Forty-seven  Ronins;  and  thus 
illuminate  my  soul  with  the  light  of  loyalty.  It  was 
from  her  honored  lips  I  received  the  histories  em- 
bodied in  this  work  ;  therefore,  if  the  book  pleases, 
I  beg  the  reader  not  to  think  of  the  old  man  of 
Yedo  whose  brush  traces  these  characters,  but  to 
pay  grateful  respect  to  the  spirit  of  my  honored 
parent,  whose  eloquent  descriptions  I  have  so  im- 
perfectly reproduced,  and  whose  body  is  now  resting 
beneath  the  tall  grass. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  PAGE 

I. — UNSHEATHING  THE   SWORD           .....           I 
II. — HOW   A   DAIMIO   MET   HIS   DEATH      ....  6 
III. — THE  MOTHER  OF   SIR   STRAIGHT-GROVE                 .                .  .13 
IV. — SIR  UNCONQUERABLE  MEETS   THE  MESSENGERS   FROM   YEDO  21 
V. — SIR  BIG-ROCK  RECEIVES  THE  LAST  FAVOR   FROM  HIS  LORD  .         28 
VI. — THE   CLANSMEN  PREPARE    TO   DEFEND   THE  CASTLE                .  34 
VII. — SEALING   THE   COMPACT                     .                 .                 .                 .  -41 
VIII. — THE   STORY   OF   A   YOUNG   WIFE'S    SORROW                    .                 .  49 
IX. — THE  CONTEMPTIBLE  BEHAVIOR   OF  THE  TWO   COUNCILLORS  .         57 
X. — WHAT  OCCURRED   AT   THE   RESTAURANT  OF   THE  ROYAL   CHRYS- 
ANTHEMUM                   .                 .                 .                 .                 .  63 
XI. — THE   OLD,    OLD    STORY             .....  74 

XII. SIR   KIRA                  .                 .                 .                 .                 .                 .  .8l 

XIII. — SIR   BIG-ROCK   DIVORCES   HIMSELF     ....  85 

XIV. — THE   STORY   OF   DOCTOR   BUTTERFLY-COTTAGE                    .  .         QO 

xv. — SIR  CLIFF-SIDE'S  STRANGE  ADVENTURE       .  .  .  103 

XVI. — THE   GOD    FOX      .  .  .  .  .  .  .112 

XVII. — CONVOLVULUS   OVERHEARS   A   CONVERSATION  .  .  .  123 

XVIII. — SIR   UNCONQUERABLE    PERFORMS   AN   ACT   OF   JUSTICE       .  .       130 

xix. — MISS  QUIET'S  DOWER  .....  135 

XX. — SIR  BIG-ROCK   WINNOWS   THE   RICE  ....  143 

XXI. — THE  MOTHER  OF   SIR   COMMON  .  .  .  .  151 

XXII. MR.    NOBLE-PLAIN  ......  167 

XXIII. — SIR  BIG-ROCK   DEPARTS   FOR  YEDO  .  .  .  I?3 

xxiv. — SIR  HATCHET'S  LETTER  TO  HIS  WIFE  ....     178 

XXV. — THE   MEETING   IN   THE   SPRING-HILL   TEMPLE  .  '      ;  184 

XXVI. — SIR  SHELL  AND   HIS   FAMILY        .....  l88 

XXVII. — SIR  BIG-ROCK  MAKES   REPARATION  TO   HIS   WIFE    .  .  194 

xi 


xii  Contents. 


CHAPTER  PAGE 

XXVIII. — THE    MISSION    OF    SIR    HAWK'S-GROVE       ....  198 

XXIX. — SIR   RED-FENCE   AND    HIS   BOTTLE      ....  2O2 

xxx. — SIR  BIG-ROCK'S  FAREWELL  TO  LADY  PURE-GEM           .            .  212 

XXXI. — MARSHALING   THE   CONSPIRATORS      ....  2IQ 

XXXII. — SIR   SMALL-GROVE                ......  228 

xxxiii. — SIR  BIG-ROCK'S  GIFT             .....  231 

XXXIV. — RETRIBUTION         .......  235 

XXXV. — THE    COMMENTS   OF   THE   CROWD       ....  238 

XXXVI. — SIR   RED-FENCE   WINS    GOLDEN   OPINIONS                .                 .                 .  244 

XXXVII. — SUMMONING   THE   WITNESS    .....  2gl 

XXXVIII. — BURNING   THE   INCENSE                     .....  256 

XXXIX. — THE   RONINS   REJOIN   THEIR   LORD     ....  268 

XL. — THE  RETURN   OF  THE  EXILES     .....  272 


THE   LOYAL  RONINS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

UNSHEATHING  THE    SWORD. 

In  the  month  of  November,  A.D.  1698,  during 
the  reign  of  the  Shogun  lyetsuna,  the  president  of 
the  Council  of  Elders  in  Yedo,  was  officially  informed 
that  three  commissioners  were  on  their  way  from 
the  Imperial  Court  at  Kioto,  and  was  directed  to  ap- 
point two  officials  to  receive  them  ;  in  consequence 
of  which  he  nominated  Lord  Morning-field  of  Ako, 
and  Lord  Tortoise-well,  daimio  (great  lords)  of  equal 
rank,  who  were  instructed  to  place  themselves  under  the 
orders  of  Kira,  Master  of  Ceremonies  to  the  Shogun. 

This  man,  not  being  a  daimio,  lacked  the  true 
principles  of  nobility  :  was  greedy,  corrupt,  and  in- 
solent in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  treating  the 
customary  presents  brought  by  the  lords  with  scorn 
and  addressing  them  in  terms  of  undisguised  con- 
tempt. At  first  they  bore  his  behavior  with  quiet 
dignity,  however,  when  it  became  insufferable,  they 
determined  to  resent  it  and  even  went  the  length  of 
resolving  to  kill  him. 


2  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

Sir  Reedy-plain,  the  chief  councillor  of  Lord 
Tortoise-well,  learning  of  his  Lord's  annoyance  se- 
cretly visited  Kira,  and  bribed  him  with  offerings 
which  he  diplomatically  represented  came  from  his 
master,  and  thus  averted  evil  from  their  house. 

Sir  Big-rock,  chief  councillor  of  Lord  Morning- 
field,  was  less  fortunate.  When  he  heard  his  chief 
had  been  appointed  one  of  the  officials  to  receive 
the  commissioners  he  felt  troubled,  knowing,  as  he 
did,  the  reputation  of  the  upstart  Kira,  besides 
which,  being  in  charge  of  the  castle  of  Ako,  in  the 
province  of  Harima,  distant  nearly  three  hundred 
miles  from  Yedo,  he  could  not  leave  his  post  and 
personally  propitiate  the  Master  of  Ceremonies. 

After  pondering  over  the  matter,  he  summoned  a 
samurai  (knight  or  military  gentleman)  of  the  clan, 
named  New-well,  to  whom  he  said  : 

"  I  wish  you  at  once  to  start  for  Yedo,  on  most 
important  business.  Are  you  ready  to  go?" 

"  Yes,  sir,  yes,"  was  the  response.  "  I  am  always 
at  your  service,  at  any  moment,  day  and  night?  " 

"  Very  good,"  said  Sir  Big-Rock,  adding,  in  a 
lower  tone,  "  I  have  here  a  letter  and  some  money 
that  I  desire  swiftly  conveyed  to  our  lord's  council- 
lors, Sir  Arrow-stand  and  Sir  Wisteria-lake.  The 
communication  instructs  them  to  wait  privately  on 
Kira,  and  hand  him  the  gold,  two  hundred  rio  (dol- 
lars), as  though  it  came  from  our  chief.  I  have  writ- 
ten urging  them,  on  no  account  to  neglect  this  duty, 


Unsheathing  the  Sword.  3 

as  by  so  doing  they  might  expose  our  lord  to  serious 
annoyance  ; "  then,  giving  him  a  smaller  package 
containing  fifteen  rio,  continued,  "  This  sum  will  be 
sufficient  to  defray  your  travelling  expenses.  I  am 
sure  you  will  not  fail  speedily  to  discharge  this  im- 
portant commission." 

Sir  New- well  bowed  respectfully  and  after  receiv- 
ing the  letter  and  money,  said  : 

"  I  am  honored  by  your  selecting  me  for  this  re- 
sponsible duty  ;  please  accept  my  thanks.  I  will  do 
my  utmost  in  return  for  your  great  favor." 

Before  the  sun  had  set  the  faithful  samurai  was  on 
his  way,  and  he  traveled  day  and  night  until  he  ar- 
rived at  his  destination. 

Unfortunately  for  Lord  Morning-field  his  coun- 
cillors, Sir  Arrow-stand  and  Sir  Wisteria-lake,  were 
men  of  little  intelligence,  parsimonious  in  their  ideas 
and  stupid  in  the  execution  of  their  duties.  Upon  re- 
ceiving Sir  Big-rock's  letter  they  hesitated  to  carry 
out  his  commands,  deeming  the  money  would  be  as 
good  as  thrown  into  the  bay.  Therefore,  when  their 
chief  next  presented  himself  to  Kira  he  was  treated 
with  neglect  and  covert  disdain,  while  Lord  Tortoise- 
well  was  welcomed  with  obsequious  flattery  and  care- 
fully initiated  in  his  duties. 

I  On  the  morning  the  commissioners  were  expected 
from  Kioto  the  two  lords  proceeded  to  the  castle  of 
Oshiro  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  their  final  in- 
structions. Kira,  after  complimenting  Lord  Tor- 


4  The  Loyal  Ronins, 

toise-well,   turned    to    the    latter's    companion    and 
said : 

w  Here,  my  Lord  Morning-field,  the  string  of  my 
sock  has  become  loosened.  Tie  it  for  me." 

Although  the  noble's  patience  was  almost  ex- 
hausted, he  complied  with  the  insolent  command, 
deeming  it  an  imperative  duty  to  obey  the  represent- 
ative of  the  Shogun,  at  the  same  time  resolving,  later 
on,  to  seek  Kira  and  demand  satisfaction  at  his  hands. 

After  awhile  the  Master  of  Ceremonies  excused 
Lord  Tortoise-well,  who  was  permitted  to  retire  to  the 
reception  hall.  Then,  addressing  the  other  noble  more 
contemptously  than  before,  he  said  : 

"  How  exceedingly  clumsy  you  are  to-day.  One 
would  think  you  were  a  countryman,  ignorant  of  the 
manners  of  Yedo." 

At  this  provocation  Lord  Morning-field  rose,  and, 
clutching  the  hilt  of  his  sword,  cried : 

"  Defend  yourself,  Sir  Kira,  I  will  no  longer  submit 
to  your  unjust  treatment." 

Instead  of  bravely  drawing  his  weapon  and  facing 
his  challenger,  Kira  trembled  and  endeavored  to  es- 
cape, whereupon  the  noble  dealt  him  a  blow  that,  had 
it  not  been  for  the  cap  worn  by  the  official,  would 
have  cleft  his  head  in  twain.  Kira,  finding  himself 
wounded,  uttered  loud  cries,  and,  pressing  his  hand  ta 
his  forehead,  rushed  away,  hotly  pursued  by  Lord 
Morning-field  who,  as  his  victim  fled,  once  more  at- 
tacked him,  but  missing  his  aim,  buried  his  weapon  in 


Unsheathing  the  Sword.  5 

a  pillar  behind  which  the  fugitive  had  retreated.  The 
incensed  noble  was  following  him  up  when  an  officer 
arrived  on  the  scene,  and  advancing  behind  the  daimio, 
threw  his  arms  around  his  waist,  thus  giving  Kira 
ample  time  to  escape. 

An  hour  afterward  Lord  Morning-field  was  com- 
manded to  retire  to  his  residence  and  consider  himself 
under  arrest. 


CHAPTER  II. 

HOW  A  DAIMIO  MET  HIS  DEATH. 

"  The  man-rio  is  developed  and  beautified  by  the  snows  of  winter. 
Injustice  to  the  lord  reveals  and  intensifies  the  devotion  of  the 
samurai" 

Thus  wrote  the  Lord  of  Ako  one  lovely  morning  in 
December,  two  weeks  after  his  encounter  with  Kira. 
The  noble,  costumed  in  his  official  garb,  was  kneeling 
before  a  writing  table  in  his  study  engaged  in  verse- 
making,  his  manner  betraying  no  anxiety  concerning 
the  impending  decision  of  the  Council  of  Elders. 
Upon  the  desk  were  some  volumes  of  poetry,  an  ink- 
stone  bearing  his  crest,  falcon's  feathers  crossed  and 
enclosed  in  a  circle,  some  brushes  resting  on  a 
lacquered  holder  and  a  small  kettle  of  inlaid  metal 
containing  water  with  which  to  moisten  his  ink. 

He  grasped  the  slender  bamboo-stemmed  writing- 
brush  firmly  and  formed  the  characters  with  a  swift 
motion.  Then,  when  he  had  completed  the  poem, 
turned  his  head  and  glanced  into  the  veranda,  where 

6 


The  man-iio  (Ten-thousand-golden-berry  plant). 
Chap,  ii,  p.  6. 


How  a  Daimio  met  his  Death.  J 

stood  a  porcelain  flower-pot  containing  the  object  of  his 
inspiration,  a  man-rio  plant,  upon  the  bright  green 
leaves  of  which  was  piled  the  snow  of  the  previous 
night,  contrasting  charmingly  with  the  clusters  of 
ruddy  berries  hanging  beneath.  As  he  gazed  upon 
this  the  rising  sun  sent  its  rays  across  the  scene  and 
made  the  crystals  sparkle  like  a  cluster  of  stars. 

While  the  master  of  the  house  was  thus  calmly  em- 
ployed, his  retainers  were  moving  silently  about  their 
duties.  No  song  came  from  the  kitchen,  no  voice  was 
heard  speaking  above  a  whisper.  The  main  gate  was 
closed,  a  temporary  fence  of  green  bamboo  had  been 
built  before  it — a  sign  the  lord  was  a  prisoner — and  a 
friend  of  the  family,  surety  for  the  chief,  gave  orders 
and  decided  who  should  enter  or  quit  the  mansion. 
A  great  sorrow  was  upon  the  household  and  all,  save 
its  head,  trembled  with  apprehension. 

In  the  midst  of  his  reverie,  a  screen  behind  him  was 
moved  noiselessly  aside  and  Lady  Fair-face,  his  wife, 
entered  the  apartment ;  her  features  too  plainly  betray- 
ing the  disturbed  state  of  her  soul.    Advancing  toward 
him  she  sank  upon  the  floor  and  bowing  until  her 
forehead  touched  the  mat,  said  in  an  agitated  voice  : 
"  I  trust  my  lord  is  in  the  enjoyment  of  good  health." 
The  noble  regarded  her  tenderly  and  replied  : 
"  I  am  well,  Fair-face  ;  why  are  you  so  sad  ?  " 
The  lady  conquered  her  grief  and  said  : 
"  My  lord,  when  you  are  in  danger,  how  can  I  ap- 
pear happy  ? " 


8  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

Although  her  words  moved  him  he  did  not  betray 
any  emotion,  but  inviting  her  to  approach  nearer, 
pointed  to  the  poem. 

Lady  Fair-face  read  it  slowly,  and  glancing  at  him, 
remarked  : 

"  Ah,  my  lord,  you  are  prepared  for  the  worst ! 
Kira  is  all  powerful  with  the  Shogun,  and  his  friends 
will  do  their  utmost  to  crush  the  house  of  Ako." 

"  Have  no  fear,  Fair-face !  My  greatest  anxiety  is 
on  your  account.  I  know  what  is  passing  in  your 
mind.  Your  actions  have  betrayed  you." 

"  My  actions,  my  lord  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  indicating  the  man-rio.  "  You  cannot  de- 
ceive me.  Last  evening,  when  you  tended  that  plant, 
you  used  one  of  your  hair-pins  to  remove  a  dead  berry 
and  left  the  trinket  on  the  rim  of  the  vessel,  also  your 
paper  handkerchiefs  near  it — they  are  there  this  morn- 
ing." 

"  How  forgetful  of  me,"  she  murmured,  gazing 
sadly  at  him.  "  I  can  deceive  all  the  world  but  you." 

Uttering  these  words  she  leaned  forward,  and  plac- 
ing her  hands  on  his  knees,  rested  her  face  upon 
them.  The  noble  glanced  sorrowfully  at  her  and  lay- 
ing his  hand  on  her  shoulder,  said  : 

"  Fair-face,  the  bird  driven  from  its  nest  always  finds 
some  shelter  from  the  storm.  Whatever  may  occur,  I 
desire  you  will  place  implicit  confidence  in  my  chief- 
councillor  and  regard  his  words  as  though  they  were 
mine.  When  I  succeeded  to  the  rank  and  estates  of 


How  a  Daimio  met  his  Death.  9 

my  honorable  father,  I  imagined  myself  wiser  than 
Big-rock,  however,  I  quickly  discovered  my  error  and 
learned  to  value  him  at  his  true  worth.  He  is  a  man 
of  a  hundred  thousand,  brave,  honorable,  fertile  in  re- 
source, patient  under  difficulties  and  a  thorough  states- 
man." 

"  Statesman  !  "  she  cried.  "  Ah,  then  why  has  he 
not  averted  this  danger  from  us  ?  Kira  was  most 
polite  to  Lord  Tortoise-well." 

Lord  Morning- field  did  not  reproach  her  for  this 
wifely  outburst,  merely  replying  : 

"  I  am  certain  Big-rock  has  done  his  duty.  If  harm 
overtakes  our  house  it  will  not  be  through  any  fault  or 
neglect  of  his.  He  is  a  mirror  of  loyalty.  I  pray  you 
not  to  forget  my  estimation  of  him." 

The  lady  bowed  her  head  and  clung  to  her  husband, 
knowing  full  well  that  she  was  soon  to  part  from  him 
for  ever.  Lord  Morning-field  endeavored  to  comfort 
her  and  when  she  became  somewhat  composed,  led 
her  toward  the  entrance  to  her  apartments,  saying  : 

"  Fair-face,  I  will  send  for  you  later  on.  I  under- 
stand, you  have  passed  a  sleepless  night — lie  down 
and  endeavor  to  seek  refreshment  in  slumber." 

She  tottered  into  the  passage-way  and  sinking  upon 
the  floor  saluted  him,  sobbing  as  though  her  heart 
would  break.  Lady  Pine-island,  her  chief  attendant, 
advanced  quickly  and  drawing  the  screens  between 
the  rooms,  shut  the  pitiful  sight  from  her  lord's  view. 

The  noble  slowly  returned  to  his  desk,  and  kneeling 


io  77/6'  Loyal  Ronins. 

before  it,  remained  in  profound  thought  until  the  hour 
of  the  Dragon  (8  A.M.),  when  he  was  disturbed  by 
the  entrance  of  Sir  Common,  who,  prostrating  himself 
near  the  doorway,  announced  the  arrival  of  the  Com- 
missioners from  the  Shoofun. 

O 

Lord  Morning-field  arose  and  quitted  the  study, 
passing  Sir  Common  who  was  still  respectfully  upon 
his  hands  and  knees  and  who  presently  followed  him. 
Upon  reaching  the  main  entrance  the  noble  received 
and  gravely  saluted  his  visitors,  whom  he  conducted  to 
the  reception  hall  where  they  seated  themselves  in  the 
place  of  honor  ;  he  kneeling  on  the  mats,  lower  down, 
the  apartment,  facing  them. 

Neither  of  the  officials  spoke  nor  returned  his  salute, 
they  being  there  as  the  representatives  of  the  Sho- 
gun.  After  a  moments  pause,  the  elder  drew  a 
folded  document  from  his  bosom,  and  extending  it 
toward  the  noble,  said  : 

"  My  Lord  Morning-field,  we  are  ordered  by  the 
Shogun  to  announce  the  decision  of  the  Council  of 
Elders  in  the  matter  of  your  unsheathing  your  sword 
within  the  precincts  of  the  castle  of  O-shiro.  We  re- 
quest you  will  at  once  read  and  carry  out  this  decree." 

The  noble  gravely  received  the  paper  and  having 
reverently  lifted  it  to  his  forehead,  calmly  perused  its 
contents,  then  addressing  the  commissioners,  said  : 

"  This  commands  me  to  commit  self-despatch  and 
announces  the  confiscation  of  my  estates  and  extinction 
of  my  family  name,  to  all  of  which  I  most  respectfully 
submit." 


How  a  Daimio  met  his  Death.  1 1 

The  chief  commissioner  listened  with  unmoved  coun- 
tenance and  replied : 

"In  that  case  we  are  ready  to  act  as  your  witnesses." 

Lord  Morning-field,  who  had  not  anticipated  any 
other  judgment,  summoned  Sir  Common  and  bade  him 
remove  some  screens  concealing  a  recess  in  the  hall, 
when  the  visitors  beheld  the  preparations  necessary  for 
the  solemn  ceremony.  He  advanced  to  the  place  and 
removing  his  outer  garments  revealed  the  shiromuku 
(white  suit  used  during  mourning  and  sacrificial  cere- 
monies) after  which  he  seated  himself  on  the  thick  mats 
and  signaled  Sir  Common  to  summon  Sir  Pure.  When 
the  latter  had  entered,  bowed  and  taken  his  place  be- 
hind his  chief,  Lord  Morning-field,  addressing  the  com- 
missioners, remarked : 

"  With  your  permission  I  will  give  my  final  instruc- 
tions to  my  councillors." 

No  objection  being  offered  to  this  he  bade  Sir  Com- 
mon approach  close  to  him,  then  pointing  to  a  white 
pine-wood  box  resting  on  a  sambo  (stand)  of  like  ma- 
terial, whispered  in  his  ear  ;  presently  drawing  a  letter 
from  his  bosom  and  handing  it  to  the  samurai,  who 
listened  with  the  deepest  attention  and,  after  his  lord 
had  ceased  to  speak,  saluted  him  reverently  and  retired 
to  his  left  hand. 

The  scene  was  most  impressive.  In  the  centre 
of  the  group  knelt  the  noble,  calm  and  resolute,  be- 
fore him  were  seated  the  commissioners,  cold  and  stern, 
and  behind  him  crouched  the  faithful  samurai,  ready 
to  render  the  last  services  to  their  chief. 


12  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

Outside  the  mansion  all  was  still,  there  being  a  light 
covering  of  snow  upon  the  ground.  Inside  reigned  a 
dead  silence  for,  though  the  retainers  set  their  teeth 
and  clenched  their  fingers  in  agony,  no  sound  escaped 
their  lips. 

Lord  Morning-field  gazed  through  the  open  screens 
upon  the  beautiful  view  beyond  and,  mutely  bidding 
it  farewell,  calmly  reached  for  the  dirk  placed  near  his 

right  hand. 

*  *  *  *  *  *  * 

That  afternoon  a  mournful  procession  wended  its 
way  toward  the  cemetery  of  the  Spring- Hill  Temple  in 
the  southern  suburb  of  Yedo.  In  the  midst  of  the  cor- 
tege was  borne  a  norimono  (enclosed  litter)  containing 
the  dead  body  of  the  Lord  of  Ako,  which  was  conveyed 
to  its  final  resting  place  amid  the  tears,  lamentations 
and  prayers  of  thousands  of  people. 


CHAPTER  III. 

THE  MOTHER  OF  SIR  STRAIGHT-GROVE. 

"  The  hungry,  persistent  fly  quickly  discovers  a  dead  body. 
The  great  man's  misfortune  fattens  the  news-seller." 

This  was  said,  many  years  ago,  by  a  learned  man  of 
Kioto  who  had  thoroughly  studied  human  nature,  and 
these  words  equally  apply  to  our  own  time. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  day  after  the  tragedy, 
the  city  of  Yedo  swarmed  with  men  shouting  them- 
selves hoarse  in  their  endeavors  to  dispose  of  news- 
sheets  containing  full  particulars  of  the  death  of  the 
Lord  of  Ako.  In  one  hand  they  carried  their  paper 
lanterns  and  in  the  other  the  broad-sides  which  had 
been  printed  during  the  night.  After  awhile  their 
cries  aroused  the  inhabitants,  who  quitting  their  beds 
hastened  into  the  streets  and,  as  they  made  their  pur- 
chases, eagerly  inquired  if  the  latter  contained  an  ac- 
count of  the  self-despatch  of  Sir  Kira. 

"  What  are  you  asking  ?  "  laughingly  exclaimed  one 
of  the  venders,  a  merry-looking  boy  who  had  folded 

13 


14  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

his  pocket-towel  and  secured  it  on  the  top  of  his  head, 
as  a  protection  against  the  dew,  and  whose  muddy 
clogs  indicated  he  had  traveled  from  the  suburbs.  "  Do 
not  expect  too  much !  My  honorable  masters,  you 
will  find  your  fifteen  cash  worth  of  horrors  in  this  sheet. 
One  seldom  discovers  two  nuts  in  a  single  shell." 

"  When  will  Sir  Kira  die  ?  "  demanded  an  old  man, 
who  wore  horn-spectacles  and  was  nervously  fumbling 
in  his  bag  for  coins.  "  I  am  anxious  to  know,  as  I  have 
relations  in  the  clan  of  Ako." 

The  news- seller  comically  rolled  his  eyes  and  stuck 
out  his  tongue,  then  replied  : 

"  Don't  worry  yourself — Sir  Kira  will  die  a  natural 
death." 

This  announcement  amazed  the  listeners  who  were 
fully  aware  of  the  law,  which  required  that  equal  pun- 
ishment should  be  meted  out  to  all  parties  engaged  in 
a  quarrel. 

At  the  hour  of  the  Horse  (noon),  the  people  learned 
Kira  was  to  escape  with  the  loss  of  his  office  and  a  few 
days  nominal  imprisonment,  on  hearing  which  they 
became  very  indignant  and  secretly  condemned  the 
partiality  of  the  Shogun. 

Amorig  the  minor  instructions,  contained  in  the  de- 
cree sentencing  the  Lord  of  Ako  to  self-despatch,  was 
one  directing  that  the  three  residences  of  the  daimio  in 
Yedo  were  to  be  given  up  to  commissioners  accredited 
by  the  Shogun,  who  would  take  possession  of  them 
within  two  days  of  the  noble's  death.  This  news 


"  My  honorable  masters,  you  will  find  your  fifteen-cash  worth  of 

horrors  in  this  sheet." 
Chap,  iii,  p.  14. 


The  Mother  of  Sir  Straight-  Grove.  1 5 

spread  consternation  in  the  hearts  of  the  clansmen  re- 
siding in  the  city ;  they,  in  the  absence  of  Sir  Big-rock, 
being  at  a  loss  how  to  act  in  such  a  sudden  emergency. 
By  the  mandate  a  thousand  families  were  rendered 
homeless,  and  as  they  entirely  depended  upon  the  an- 
nual allowances  received  from  their  lord,  their  situa- 
tions were  pitiful  in  the  extreme.  Some,  who  lacked 
the  true  spirit  of  loyalty,  disposed  of  their  effects  and 
took  service  under  new  masters  ;  however,  the  greater 
number,  after  attending  to  the  immediate  wants  of 
their  families,  packed  their  armor  and  set  out  for  the 
castle  of  Ako. 

Everything  was  in  confusion  and  loud  were  the  la- 
mentations of  the  women  who,  unlike  their  husbands, 
did  not  hesitate  openly  to  denounce  the  severity  of  the 
sentence,  which  not  only  ended  the  life  of  their  chief, 
but  broke  up  their  homes  and  deprived  them  of  sub- 
sistence. 

One  of  the  unfortunates  was  a  samurai  named 
Straight-grove,  whose  aged  parent  had  been  the  foster- 
mcther  of  the  dead  lord.  On  the  day  of  his  death  she 
visited  his  residence  in  order  to  bid  farewell  to  his 
body,  and  upon  seeing  the  sad  sight  became  frantic 
with  grief.  Lady  Fair-face,  fearing  the  old  woman 
would  do  herself  some  injury,  commanded  Sir  Straight- 
grove  to  conduct  her  home,  which  he  did  with  many 
expressions  of  tenderness  and  affection.  After  awhile 
his  words  appeared  to  comfort  her  and  she  recovered 
her  usual  calmness  of  manner,  whereupon  her  delighted 


1 6  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

son  softly  retired  to  the  kitchen  and  poured  out  a  cup 
of  sakd  (rice  wine),  which,  having  placed  on  the  family 
altar,  he  drained  to  soothe  his  agitated  nerves. 

When  the  members  of  his  household  returned  from 
the  funeral,  he  assembled  them  and  announced  that  they 
were  to  depart  on  the  morrow  for  his  brother's  resi- 
dence in  the  province  of  Izu,  at  the  same  time  stating 
he  would  proceed  to  join  Sir  Big-rock  at  the  castle 
of  Ako. 

As  that  was  to  be  their  last  night  in  the  old  home, 
he  directed  his  wife  to  prepare  a  little  feast,  and  about 
the  hour  of  the  Rooster  (6  P.M.),  they  gathered  in 
the  dining-room  and  partook  of  various  delicacies 
which  the  careful  house-wife  had  made  with  her  own 
hands.  His  mother  appeared  heartily  to  enjoy  the 
viands  and  when  the  children  went  to  bed,  cheerfully 
remarked  to  her  son  : 

"  Our  time  here  grows  short  so  I  will  seek  my  room 
and  do  some  writing." 

All  present  bowed  respectfully,  and  Sir  Straight- 
grove  said : 

"  Honorable  mother,  I  trust  you  will  sleep  well." 

When,  later  on,  he  retired  for  the  night  he  saw  the 
lamp  was  still  burning  in  her  apartment  and  knew  she 
had  not  sought  her  bed. 

The  next  morning  the  family  rose  earlier  than  usual 
and  began  to  pack  their  effects,  even  the  little  ones  as- 
sisting, but  no  sound  came  from  the  chamber  of  the 
grandmother.  Sir  Straight-grove,  imagining  she  was 


-••     '"    • 


*: 


The  Mother  of  Sir  Straight-  Grove.  1 7 

tired  through  sitting  up  late,  refrained  from  disturbing 
her ;  however,  as  the  hours  passed  and  she  did  not 
make  her  appearance,  he  grew  uneasy  and  approach- 
ing the  door  of  the  room,  knocked  gently,  saying  : 

"  Honorable  mother,  I  pray  you  will  make  haste  to 
arise.  It  is  very  late  and  the  bearers  are  waiting  out- 
side to  convey  your  baggage  to  Izu.  Excuse  my  thus 
rudely  summoning  you. 

He  paused  and  listened  for  a  reply.  Receiving  none 
he  became  thoroughly  alarmed  and  drawing  back 
the  sliding  door  entered  the  apartment,  then  mov- 
ing toward  the  bed,  pushed  aside  the  screen,  saying  : 

"  Honorable  mother — !" 

To  his  horror  he  saw  her  face  was  unnaturally 
white  and  the  bed-clothes  were  crimson  with  blood. 

"  What !"  he  exclaimed,  as  he  tremblingly  surveyed 
the  shocking  sight.  "  Was  my  mother  crazy  that  she 
should  do  this  ?  Alas  for  me  !" 

Advancing  and  weeping  bitterly,  he  knelt,  raised 
her  in  his  arms  and  gazed  upon  the  placid  face,  calm 
in  the  majesty  of  death.  As  he  held  her  left  hand  in 
his  and  supported  her  with  his  right,  he  beheld  the 
weapon  with  which  she  had  ended  her  life  ;  its  appear- 
ance plainly  denoting  the  will  and  courage  that  had 
sustained  her  last  moments — a  courage  worthy  ot  the 
mother  of  a  brave  samurai. 

His  lamentations  quickly  attracted  the  members  of 
his  family  who  crowded  into  the  room,  and  falling 
upon  their  knees,  saluted  the  dead. 


1 8  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

By  the  side  of  the  mat,  which  had  proved  an  altar 
for  her  loyal  sacrifice,  was  a  writing-case,  and  near  it 
a  folded  paper  inscribed  ; 

"LAST  WORDS." 

When  the  body  had  been  removed  from  the  room, 
Sir  Straight-grove  noticed  the  letter  and  proceeded  to 
read  it,  stopping  every  now  and  then  to  wipe  the  tears 
from  his  blinded  eyes. 

This  was  the  communication,  written  in  a  firm  hand 
by  the  heroic  matron  : 

"  I  leave  you  a  few  words.  To-day  a  dreadful  cal- 
amity overtook  our  lord  and  I  have  almost  lost  myself. 
When  he  entered  the  world  my  hands  received  him. 
My  tongue  taught  his  to  say  uba  (nurse — literally 
milk-mother).  It  was  I  who  watched  his  infant  steps 
and  my  heart  that  swelled  with  pride  when  he  first 
walked  the  length  of  a  mat.  I  saw  him  bloom  into 
childhood  and  develop  into  a  glorious  youth.  I  was 
present,  behind  the  screens,  when  he  first  received  the 
clansmen  in  public  audience,  when  his  consummate 
tact,  dignity  and  manhood,  brought  tears  to  my  aged 
eyes.  He  was  my  foster-son,  my  chief,  my  lord. 
Therefore,  to-day,  when  I  saw  his  murdered  body,  I 
determined  he  should  not,  unattended,  travel  the 
Lonely  Road.  I  am  about  to  end  my  life  in  order  that 
my  spirit  may  accompany  his  on  its  journey.  When 
our  lord  hears  the  sound  of  my  clogs  behind  him  he 
will  be  comforted,  knowing  in  death  as  in  life,  his  old 
nurse  is  in  attendance  upon  him. 


The  Mother  of  Sir  Straight-  Grove.  1 9 

"  My  son,  my  heart  dwells  upon  you,  although  I  can 
but  feebly  express  my  thoughts.  As  you  read  this, 
grasp  the  hilt  of  your  sword  and  swear  swift  ven- 
geance upon  the  enemy  of  our  master — vengeance 
which  will  cause  you  to  follow  me  so  quickly  that  I 
shall  hear  behind  me  the  echoing  of  your  clogs  and 
ere  long  welcome  you  to  the  land  of  shadows. 

"  In  my  closet,  wrapped  in  a  purple  cloth,  are  three 
volumes  of  a  novel  I  borrowed  from  Mrs.  Moat  Jr. 
You  will  return  them  with  my  thanks.  I  also  desire 
you  will  give  two  of  my  robes  and  one  of  my  girdles 
to  my  maid,  Miss  Angel. 

"  Take  good  care  of  your  health  until  the  day 
arrives  for  you  to  avenge  our  master,  when  you  will 
not  consider  yourself. 

To  my  dear  son, 

From  your  mother." 

Sir  Straight-grove  dropped  the  document,  and 
grinding  his  teeth  with  rage,  presently  exclaimed  : 

"  Who  is  the  cause  of  all  this  ?  Is  it  not  solely  due 
to  the  insult  Kira  offered  my  honored  master  ?  I  call 
the  gods  to  witness  he  shall  not  escape  punishment." 

When  the  day  of  retribution  arrived  Sir  Straight- 
grove  was  the  first  to  cross  swords  with  the  retainers 
of  Sir  Kira. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

SIR     UNCONQUERABLE   MEETS     THE     MESSENGERS     FROM 

YEDO. 

"  To-o  ke  moya 

Ikura  to-o  kumo  nani  kamaya  senu 

Yeube  nofuri  de  mizu  ga  mashi 

Masu  nomi  dekiru  kio  no  kawa  bito" 

"  May  the  distance  between  the  banks  of  the  river 
be  great.  What  is  troubling  you  ?  The  water  is  high 
through  the  storm  of  last  night,  and  our  fares  being 
high  in  proportion,  we  can  afford  to  indulge  in  big 
cups  of  sakd." 

Such  was  the  song  chanted  by  a  number  of  lightly- 
clad  coolies,  whose  occupation  consisted  in  carrying 
passengers  and  vehicles  across  the  Kagosa  river, 
which  formed  the  eastern  boundary  of  Harima,  They 
were  a  turbulent,  lawless  party,  the  terror  of  solitary 
travelers  from  whom,  notwithstanding  the  instructions 
of  the  village  elders,  they  generally  contrived  to  ex- 
tort more  than  the  legal  amount  of  fare.  Some  of 
them  were  squatting  on  the  banks  smoking  and  gabm- 
ling,  others  stretched  upon  their  backs  dozing  or 


Sir  Unconquerable  and  the  Messenger.  2 1 

watching  the  rays  of  the  setting  sun  that  gilded  the 
swift  waters  of  the  stream,  while  the  rest  stood  waist- 
deep  in  the  flood  and  amused  themselves  by  splashing 
their  comrades. 

As  they  were  thus  employed  one  of  the  party,  shad- 
ing his  eyes  with  his  hands,  espied  two  travelers  signal- 
ing them  from  the  opposite  bank,  on  seeing  which  he 
exclaimed  : 

"  A  great  beauty  is  making  signs  to  me  from  the 
other  side  of  the  river.  I  will  hasten  over  and  attend 
to  her." 

"  What  is  that  ?  What  is  that  ?  "  cried  the  others, 
springing  to  their  feet.  "  A  beauty — who  is  she  ?  " 

Instead  of  replying,  the  fellow  rushed  into  the 
water  and  began  to  breast  the  stream,  laughing  and 
shouting  : 

"  I  am  coming,  great  lady,  I  am  coming." 

The  other  coolies  followed  him  like  a  flock  of  ducks 
anxious  to  secure  a  choice  morsel. 

The  object  of  their  attention  was  a  charming  girl  of 
eighteen  with  a  complexion  like  a  momo  (peach-flower), 
whose  costume  and  manner  denoted  her  to  be  the 
daughter  of  a  samurai,  and  who  was  accompanied  by 
a  young  man-servant,  armed  with  one  sword.  The 
attendant  remained  a  few  paces  behind  his  mistress  and 
anxiously  watched  the  coolies.  Night  was  coming  on, 
the  banks  of  the  river  were  almost  deserted,  the  place 
had  a  bad  reputation  and  the  yakago  (cylindrical  net  of 
split  bamboo  filled  with  stones,  used  as  an  embank- 


22  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

ment)  cast  a  deep  shadow  on  the  spot  where  they 
stood  and  hid  them  from  the  view  of  approaching 
travelers. 

On  came  the  men  and  presently  the  foremost,  emerg- 
ing from  the  water,  staggered  up  the  slippery  incline, 
shouting ; 

"  Come,  young  lady,  mount  on  my  shoulders,  the 
stream  is  deep  and  no  one  can  carry  you  as  easily  as 
myself." 

The  frightened  maiden  shrank  from  him  and  would 
have  fled,  when  he  rudely  seized  her  and  endeavored 
to  raise  her  from  the  ground,  As  he  did  so  another 
coolie  quitted  the  water,  exclaiming  : 

"  Look  here,  man.  I  am  already  engaged  by  that 
lady !  You  shall  not  rub  your  unshaven  chin  against 
her  pearly  face." 

"  Here,  boys,"  cried  the  third,  a  tall,  muscular  wretch. 
"  It  is  useless  for  you  to  make  love  to  her.  Cannot 
you  see  she  prefers  me  ?  Among  the  gallants  of  the 
Kagosa  river  who  is  better  looking  than  I  ?  "  and  tear- 
ing her  from  the  embrace  of  his  companion,  he  con- 
tinued :  "  Don't  flutter  so,  my  little  crow,  I  will  carry 
you  safely  over  the  rough  water." 

On  hearing  this  outrageous  speech,  her  servant,  no 
longer  able  to  restrain  his  indignation,  threw  down  her 
baggage  and  rushing  into  their  midst,  rescued  his  mis- 
tress, then  drawing  his  sword,  exclaimed  : 

"  Dogs,  what  do  you  intend  to  do  ?  My  lady  is  not 
alone,  I  am  here  to  defend  her.  Dare  again  to 


Sir  Unconquerable  and  the  Messenger.  23 

lay  a  finger  upon  her  and  you  will  experience  the 
consequences." 

The  coolies  stared  as  though  amazed  at  his  au- 
dacity and  seizing  their  cudgels  fell  upon  the  brave  lad, 
whom  they  beat  and  kicked  cruelly,  after  which  their 
leader  seized  the  young  lady  and  made  off  with  her, 
followed  by  his  triumphant  companions.  Ere  they  had 
gone  many  paces  a  ronin-samurai  was  seen  approach- 
ing along  the  road,  noticing  which  they  halted  and 
clustered  around  their  victim.  The  face  of  the  new- 
comer was  concealed  by  a  straw  hat  that  effectually 
masked  his  features,  and  at  the  same  time  permitted  him 
to  see  ;  like  a  person  who  peeps  behind  the  grating  of 
a  prison, 

This  stranger  was  Sir  Unconquerable,  a  man  whose 
name  fitted  him  like  his  tabi  (socks)  and  who,  some 
years  before,  had  belonged  to  the  clan  of  Ako.  One 
day  having  purchased  a  sword,  he  had  thoughtlessly 
tried  its  temper  upon  an  impertinent  peddler  whose 
friends  brought  the  matter  to  the  notice  of  his  chief. 
Although  the  latter  admired  the  bravery  of  his  follower 
and  greatly  valued  his  services,  he  could  not  condone 
his  offence,  so  giving  Sir  Unconquerable  a  sum  of 
money,  he  dismissed  him  and  the  knight  became  a 
ronin  (wave-man,  one  who,  though  still  a  samurai, 
owes  allegiance  to  no  master).  '  f ;':' 

Such  was  Sir  Unconquerable  who,  on  seeing  the 
young  lady  in  the  hands  of  her  captors,  advanced, 
seized  them  one  after  the  other  by  their  hands,  twisted 


24  Tke  Loyal  Ronins. 

them  like  broken  bamboos  and  hurled  them  to  the 
ground,  having  done  which  he  turned  to  the  affright- 
ed maiden  and  said  : 

"  The  atrocious  conduct  of  these  scoundrels  must 
have  sorely  troubled  you." 

The  young  lady  was  too  much  agitated  to  reply, 
however,  her  servant  who,  spite  of  his  wounds,  had  risen 
to  his  knees,  said  ; 

"  Honorable  Sir,  you  have  indeed  arrived  at  an  op- 
portune moment." 

Sir  Unconquerable  placed  his  hand  upon  the  hilt  of 
his  sword,  and  advancing  upon  the  prostrate  coolies, 
exclaimed  : 

"  Much  to  be  hated  dogs,  prepare  for  death." 
The  fellows  made  off  like  birds  alarmed  by  a  hunter 
or  ants  whose  nest  is  disturbed  by  a  husbandman. 

The  young  lady  and  her  servant,  overjoyed  at  their 
escape,  knelt  before  their  deliverer,  folded  their  palms 
and  expressed  their  gratitude,  the  lady  saying  : 
"  Sir  stranger,  accept  my  profound  thanks." 
"  And  mine,"  murmured  the  servant.  "  Though  my 
spirit  sprung  like  an  arrow,  I  was  alone  and  could  do 
but  little  to  defend  the  daughter  of  my  master.  Through 
your  bravery  we  have  escaped  a  great  danger.  The 
gratitude  of  your  humble  servant  knows  no  bounds 
We  expect  to  meet  my  master  in  the  next  village  when 
we  will,  without  fail,  present  ourselves  at  your  residence 
and  thank  you  for  your  kindness.  Be  pleased  to  let 
me  know  your  honorable  name  ?  " 


Sir  Unconquerable  and  the  Messenger.  25 

Sir  Unconquerable  listened  grimly  and  replied  : 
"  I  do  not  require  such  thanks  for  so  trifling  a  mat- 
ter.    Do   not  trouble  yourself  further  about  this,  but 
conduct  your  mistress  back  to  the  nearest  inn,  the  sun 
will  soon  be  set." 

"  You  are  very  kind,"  said  the  young  lady.  "  Still 
I  would  much  like  to  know  to  whom  I  am  indebted  for 
my  deliverance." 

While  she  and  her  servant  were  urging  him  to  di- 
vulge his  name,  they  heard  loud  voices  proceeding 
from  the  other  side  of  the  river  and  presently  beheld 
a  host  of  travel-stained  coolies,  carrying  a  light  litter 
and  running  with  all  their  might.  As  this  party 
plunged  into  the  stream  a  second  one  was  seen  in  the 
distance. 

Sir  Unconquerable  watched  the  approach  of  the  pro- 
cession, and  as  the  first  litter  was  borne  up  the  bank, 
glanced  at  its  occupant  and  said  : 

"  Pardon  me,  but  is  not  the  honorable  samurai  who 
travels  post-haste,  Sir  Common  of  the  clan  of  Ako  ?  " 

The  person  addressed  ordered  his  bearers  to  halt  a 
moment,  then  said : 

"  Strangely  met,  Sir  Unconquerable." 

"  Sir  Common,"  said  the  former,  approaching  the 
litter,  "  your  manner  of  traveling  alarms  me.  Has  any 
harm  befallen  my  lord  ?  " 

Sir  Common  pointed  to  a  little  frame  fixed  in  the 
front  of  the  litter,  on  which  was  secured  the  sambo  and 
white  pine  box,  referred  to  in  a  former  chapter,  and 
said  : 


26  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

"  Your  fears  are  well  founded.  We  have,  in  five 
days,  traveled  nearly  three  hundred  miles  to  convey 
this,"  bowing  respectfully,  "  to  Sir  Big-rock  and  an- 
nounce to  him  the  great  calamity  that  has  overtaken 
our  lord.  You  must  excuse  my  relating  the  particulars  ; 
you  will  learn  them  from  Sir  Pure  who  is  following  me." 

Ere  he  had  uttered  the  last  word,  the  bearers  once 
more  lifted  the  litter  and  starting  at  a  run,  vanished  in 
the  direction  of  Ako. 

The  ronin,  too  impatient  to  wait  for  the  arrival  of 
the  second  litter  upon  the  bank,  waded  into  the  river, 
approached  the  vehicle  and  shouted  : 

"  Sir  Pure,  Sir  Pure,  it  is  I,  Unconquerable !  I  pray 
you  tell  me  what  misfortune  has  occurred  to  our  lord? " 

Sir  Pure  waited  until  his  bearers  had  carried  him 
alongside  the  speaker,  when,  placing  his  mouth  close 
to  Sir  Unconquerable's  ear,  he  whispered  the  sad  news, 
adding : 

"  We  have  made  up  our  minds  what  to  do.  If  you 
still  remember  the  gracious  favors  of  your  late  lord, 
you  will  not  hesitate  to  join  us." 

Sir  Unconquerable,  who,  as  he  spoke,  waded  by  the 
side  of  the  litter,  answered  : 

"  Sir  Pure,  it  is  not  necessary  you  should  re- 
mind me  of  such  a  thing.  Although  my  spear  is 
somewhat  rusty  and  my  armor  dilapidated,  I  can  make 
good  use  of  them." 

Sir  Pure  hastily  saluted  him  and  they  ascended  the 
bank,  on  reaching  the  summit  of  which  the  bearers 


Sir  Unconquerable  and  the  Messenger.  27 

broke  into  a  run  and  rapidly  followed  the  other  litter  ; 
leaving  Sir  Unconquerable  with  the  young  lady  and 
her  attendant. 

For  some  moments  he  remained  as  though  lost  in 
thought,  the  sad  fate  of  his  lord,  profoundly  affecting 
his  loyal  soul.  He  felt  that,  beginning  with  Sir  Big- 
rock,  all  the  samurai  of  the  clan  should  die  defending 
the  castle  against  the  army  of  forfeiture,  and,  as  he 
turned  to  conduct  the  strangers  to  a  place  of  safety, 
did  not  notice  the  dim  outlines  of  the  trees  and  rocks, 
but  only  beheld  the  sambo  and  white  pine  box  carried 
in  the  litter  of  Sir  Common. 

When  they  arrived  at  the  office  of  the  road-com- 
missioners, in  the  little  village  near  the  ferry,  he  made 
a  formal  complaint  against  the  coolies,  then,  requesting 
the  officers  to  take  care  of  the  travelers  and  see  them 
to  an  inn,  returned  to  his  humble  lodging,  where  he 
took  his  armor  from  its  rest  and  busied  himself  in 
mending  and  polishing  it. 

The  next  morning  he  disposed  of  his  few  effects  and 
started  on  foot  for  Ako. 


CHAPTER  V. 

SIR    BIG     ROCK     RECEIVES     THE    LAST    FAVOR    FROM    HIS 

LORD. 

"  Better  have  a  dishonest  servant  than  a  stingy 
one,"  was  the  golden  maxim  of  the  ancients,  by 
which  they  meant,  he  who  is  too  careful  with  his  mas- 
ter's money,  often  becomes  the  means  of  ruining  him. 
Meanness  is  not  economy.  The  unpardonable  failure  of 
Sir  Arrow-stand  and  Sir  Wisteria-lake  to  pay  over 
the  gold  sent  by  Sir  Big-rock  as  a  bribe  for  Kira,  was 
treason  against  their  lord  and  indirectly  the  cause  of 
his  death. 

After  the  chief  councillor  had  despatched  Sir  New- 
well,  he  felt  somewhat  easy  in  his  mind  and  looked 
with  little  apprehension  for  the  return  of  his 
messenger.  Therefore,  imagine,  if  you  can,  his  grief 
and  indignation  when  he  heard  the  awful  news 
brought  by  Sir  Common  and  Sir  Pure,  who  reached 
Ako  upon  the  night  of  their  meeting  Sir  Unconquera- 
ble on  the  bank  of  the  Kagosa  river. 

When  Sir  Common  handed  the  letter,  entrusted  to 
him  by  his  dead  chief,  to  Sir  Big-rock,  the  latter 

28 


Sir  Big  Rock  receives  the  last  Favor.  29 

raised  it  reverently  to  his  forehead,  then  with  tremb- 
ling fingers  essayed  to  break  the  seal.  As  he  did 
so  he  beheld  the  sambo  and  pine  box  from  which 
Sir  Pure  had  removed  the  white  covering ;  whereupon 
the  chief  councillor,  unable  to  restrain  his  grief,  bowed 
his  head  to  the  mat  and  wept,  his  emotion  being 
shared  by  the  messengers. 

After  awhile  he  conquered  his  sorrow,  and  address- 
ing Sir  Common,  said  : 

"  I  trust  the  spirit  of  our  lord  will  forgive  my  ex- 
hibition of  weakness.  These  are  the  only  tears  I 
will  allow  myself." 

Thus  speaking  he  opened  the  letter  and  slowly  pe- 
rused its  contents,  and  having  thanked  the  exhausted 
messengers  for  their  loyal  devotion  in  hastening  to 
carry  out  the  instructions  of  their  chief  and  given  di- 
rections that  their  wants  should  be  attended  to,  dressed 
himself  in  his  robes  of  ceremony,  and  taking  the 
sambo  and  its  sacred  burden  in  his  hands,  proceeded  to 
the  castle  where  he  deposited  his  charge  on  the  toko- 
noma  (raised  recess  corresponding  to  our  mantle- 
piece),  and  that  accomplished,  sent  out  couriers  to 
summon  the  clansmen  to  an  extraordinary  council. 

While  awaiting  their  arrival  he  knelt,  motionless  as 
a  statue,  with  his  eyes  fixed  upon  the  white  pine  box, 
thinking  how  he  should  best  carry  out  the  wishes  ot 
his  lord.  Presently  his  hand  sought  the  bosom  of  his 
robe  and  he  drew  from  it  the  letter,  which  he  again 
read  ;  the  communication  being  as  follows  : 


30  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

"  THOU  KNOWEST." 

This  was  signed  with  the  military  name  of  the  late 
noble. 

In  a  short  time  the  clansmen  began  to  assemble, 
each,  as  he  arrived,  silently  taking  his  place  on  the 
matted  floor  according  to  his  rank  and  respectfully 
saluting  the  chief  councillor ;  their  blanched  faces  and 
grave  looks  plainly  denoting  the  anxiety  that  pos- 
sessed their  souls.  The  hours  passed  slowly  as  they 
knelt,  mute  and  mournful,  with  their  right  hands 
grasping  the  hilts  of  their  long  swords,  which  they 
held  vertically  and  used  to  support  their  bent  bodies. 

The  first  gray  streaks  of  dawn  were  illuminating  the 
horizon  when  an  aged  soldier  ascended  the  castle- 
tower,  and  approaching  the  big  bell  sorrowfully  drew 
back  the  suspended  beam  used  as  a  clapper  and 
swung  it  against  the  metal  ;  repeating  his  action  seven 
times  and  thus  proclaim'ing  the  hour  of  the  Tiger 
(4  A.M.)  After  he  had  completed  his  task  he  leaned 
over  the  parapet,  and  placing  his  withered  hand  to  his 
wrinkled  ear  listened,  presently  muttering  to  himself : 

"  The  last  of  the  clansmen  has  come  in.  I  hear  the 
warden  closing  the  great  gate.  Now  the  council  will 
begin." 

His  surmise  was  correct.  At  that  moment  Sir 
Big-rock  raised  his  head  and  announced  the  reason 
for  so  suddenly  assembling  the  members  of  the  clan. 

The  news  fell  upon  the  samurai  like  a  thunderbolt 
upon  an  egg.  A  dead  silence  reigned  in  the  apart- 


Sir  Big  Rock  receives  the  last  Favor.  3 1 

ment,  and  the  dumbfounded  clansmen  glanced  at  one 
another  as  though  utterly  unable  to  comprehend  the 
full  meaning  of  the  communication.  After  awhile 
one  of  the  juniors  uttered  a  cry  of  indignation.  Then 
a  loud  clamor  arose  all  over  the  hall  and,  notwith- 
standing their  respect  for  the  chief  councillor,  every- 
body spoke  at  once. 

"  Now  is  the  moment  to  remember  the  golden 
words  of  the  ancients,"  excitedly  exclaimed  a  young 
samurai  "  When  the  master  is  insulted  it  is  for  the 
servant  to  die.  Our  lord  is  no  more,  therefore  let  us 
follow  him,  dying  gallantly  defending  his  castle,  the 
ramparts  of  which  shall  be  our  pillow.  Sir  Chief- 
councillor,  this  is  our  determination,  frankly  spoken. 
How  and  when  it  is  to  be  accomplished,  we  leave  to 
your  decision." 

Sir  Big-rock  understanding  their  excitement  per- 
mitted them  freely  to  express  themselves.  Then  once 
more  calling  the  meeting  to  order,  said  ; 

"  Fellow  clansmen,  your  exhibition  of  loyalty, 
while  admirable  in  its  intent,  savors  too  much  of  haste. 
You  desire  to  die  like  true  samurai.  Where  is  your 
enemy  to  be  found  ?  It  will  be  easy  enough  to  throw 
away  your  lives  but  the  height  of  folly  to  sacrifice  your- 
selves without  obtaining  some  return.  Our  duty  is  to 
petition  the  authorities  to  appoint  Lord  Great-learning, 
the  honored  brother  of  our  late  master,  chief  of  our 
clan  and  thus  restore  the  house  of  Ako.  As  yet  we 
only  partially  know  the  decision  of  the  council  of  elders. 


32  The  Loyal  Ronins, 

I  expect,  as  our  lord  was  directed  to  commit  self-de- 
spatch, Sir  Kira,  unless  he  has  already  died  of  his 
wound,  will  have  received  a  similar  sentence.  This 
matter  was  not  known  on  the  afternoon  of  our  lord's 
death  when  Sir  Common  and  Sir  Pure  left  Yedo.  I 
propose  we  despatch  two  competent  persons  to  the 
capital  for  the  double  object  of  presenting  the  petition 
and  ascertaining  the  fate  of  Sir  Kira.  How  say  you, 
fellow  clansmen  ?  " 

The  assembly  almost  unanimously  signified  its  as- 
sent, then  Sir  Moat,  Sr.,  addressing  the  president, 
said  : 

"  Sir  Chief-councillor,  there  is  one  matter  to  which 
I  desire  to  call  your  attention.  I  understand  when 
you  heard  of  the  danger  likely  to  overtake  our  late 
lord,  you  gave  certain  instructions  to  his  councillors  in 
Yedo,  which,  if  carried  out,  would  have  averted  this 
calamity.  They,  without  doubt,  failed  in  their  duty 
and  their  treasonable  neglect  should  be  punished  with 
death  at  our  hands." 

"  Yes,  with  death  at  our  hands,"  echoed  the  clans- 
men. 

Sir  Moat,  Sr.,  paused  until  the  sound  of  their  voices 
had  died  away,  when  he  continued  : 

"  Sir  Chief-councillor,  I  trust  you  will  assent  to  this." 

Sir  Big-rock  bowed  gravely,  after  which  he  turned 
to  Sir  Shell  and  Sir  Pigeon-field,  and  said  : 

"  I  shall  have  to  trouble  you  with  the  mission  to 
Yedo.  You  will  travel  post-haste  and  return  in  the 


Sir  Big  Rock  receives  the  last  Favor,  33 

same  manner.  Fellow  clansmen,"  once  more  address- 
ing the  assembly,  "  from  to-day  until  further  orders, 
you  will  remain  in  the  castle,  every  one  at  his  post, 
and  the  clan  will  be  ready  under  arms.  We  will  now 
close  the  council." 

The  members  saluted  and  retired,  and  before  night 
the  castle  was  in  a  state  of  complete  defense,  every 
one  anxiously  waiting  for  information  from  Yedo. 

Two  days  afterward  Sir  New- well  arrived  post-haste 
from  the  capital,  bringing  news  of  the  sentence  passed 
upon  Sir  Kira. 

This  announcement  caused  the  whole  clan  to  grind 
their  teeth  and  say  : 

"  There  is  now  no  hope  for  us,  however  we  will  not 
be  cowards  and  bring  upon  ourselves  the  ridicule  and 
contempt  of  the  world.  We  will  fight  and  die,  and  our 
bodies,  hanging  over  the  ramparts,  will  show  that  we 
deserve  the  name  of  loyal  samurai.  Although  the  clan 
of  Ako  may  no  longer  exist,  people  will  say  '  the 
master  who  observes  his  duties,  shall  have  servants 
who  do  the  same.'  This  is  the  only  return  we  can 
render  for  the  well-remembered  favors  of  our  dead 
lord." 

Filled  with  these  lofty  sentiments,  the  whole  clan 
swarmed  to  the  castle,  each  carrying  his  armor,  swords 
and  spear,  eager  to  be  the  first  to  enter  the  portal  and 
report  himself  for  duty. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

THE  CLANSMEN  PREPARE  TO   DEFEND   THE   CASTLE. 

"  The  beautiful  lotus  springs  from  the  mud. 
Loyalty  knows  no  distinction  of  rank." 

This  ancient  maxim  admirably  describes  the  feeling 
that  animated  the  clan  of  Ako.  It  is  true,  on  hearing 
of  their  lord's  misfortune,  some  of  the  samurai  had 
sought  safety  in  the  service  of  other  masters ;  how- 
ever, these  were  exceptions,  the  majority  of  the  clans- 
men, including  the  foot  soldiers,  forgetting  all  else  but 
their  duty,  loyally  rallying  round  the  standard  hoisted 
by  the  chief-councillor. 

Sir  Big-rock,  ever  wise  and  watchful,  placed  certain 
officers  at  the  castle  gate  with  instructions  to  take 
down  the  names  of  all  who  presented  themselves  and 
assign  them  duty  according  to  their  rank  and  merit. 

Among  those  who  approached  the  portal,  were  three 
ronin- samurai  whose  appearance  plainly  betrayed  their 
spirit  and  determination.  These  men  had  some  time 
before  lost  the  good  will  of  the  lord  of  Ako.  Instead  of 
obtaining  service  elsewhere  they  had  wandered  about 

34 


"The  Castle  of  Ako,   Province  of  Harima,  on  the  shore  of  the 

inland  sea." 
Chap,  vi,  p.  34. 


The  Clansmen  Prepare  to  Defend  the  Castle.      35 

the  country,  waiting  for  the  day  when  he  would  for- 
give them  and  restore  them  to  their  former  positions. 
Upon  hearing  of  his  fate  they  had  vowed  to  die  in  his 
cause,  and  although  their  armor  was  rusty  and  their 
clothes  ragged,  hastened  to  present  themselves  before 
the  registering  officers. 

"  Wait  a  moment,  if  you  please,"  remarked  the  lat- 
ter. "  While  admiring  your  spirit  I  cannot  permit 
you  to  enter  the  castle,  the  orders  of  the  chief  council- 
lor excluding  all  but  clansmen  from  enrollment." 

Sir  Cliff-field,  speaking  for  the  others,  replied  : 

"  Honorable  Sir,  you  are  quite  right,  yet,  though 
only  ronin,  we  are  determined  to  die  for  our  lord ; 
therefore,  be  good  enough  to  report  our  presence  to 
Sir  Big-rock.  If  you  do  not  grant  us  this  favor  we  will 
end  our  lives  where  we  stand." 

The  official  did  as  he  was  requested.  In  a  few  mo- 
ments a  messenger  came  out,  and  after  thanking  the 
three  ronin,  in  the  name  of  Sir  Big-rock,  presented 
them  with  money  and  clothing,  then,  taking  down  their 
addresses,  said : 

"  You  may,  at  some  future  day,  hear  from  the  chief- 
councillor.  At  present  he  is  unable  to  avail  himself  of 
your  services." 

Upon  hearing  this  decision  Sir  Cliff-field,  unable  to 
restrain  his  tears,  replied  in  a  husky  voice  : 

"  The  kindness  of  Sir  Big-rock  is  well  known  to  us. 
Taking  pity  upon  our  wave-like  fortune  he,  even  in 
the  hour  of  his  trial,  forgets  not  to  remember  our  needs. 


36  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

Under  these  circumstances  we  dare  not  refuse  his 
bounty  or  disobey  his  order  to  withdraw.  We  most 
sincerely  trust,  when  his  plans  are  decided  upon,  he  will 
communicate  with  us." 

The  others  added  their  entreaties  to  his,  and  after 
the  messenger  had  promised  to  inform  the  chief-coun- 
cillor ot  the  same,  they  departed,  commenting  upon  the 
goodness  of  Sir  Big-rock. 

During  the  succeeding  days  the  registering  officers 
were  kept  busily  employed  by  the  arrival  of  the  loyal 
clansmen  from  Yedo,  in  addition  to  whom  came  mer- 
chants from  the  city  and  farmers  from  the  provincial 
villages,  who,  catching  the  loyal  spirit  of  the  clansmen, 
were  anxious  to  offer  their  services. 

In  the  midst  of  the  bustle  there  appeared  a  very 
poorly  clad  man,  carrying  on  his  back  a  set  of  dilapi- 
dated, purple  armor  and  bearing  in  his  hand  a  formid- 
able spear.  He  advanced  without  any  demonstration 
and  attempted  to  enter  the  portal,  noticing  which  the 
registering  officer  contemptuously  motioned  him  to  re- 
tire, remarking  with  a  sneer  : 

"  We  have  no  occasion  for  your  services." 

His  words  were  caught  up  by  the  bystanders  who 
began  to  mock  the  new-comer  ;  one  of  them  saying : 

"  Look  at  the  fellow's  clothes !  I  wonder  at  his  im- 
pudence in  desiring  to  be  registered  ;  it  would  be  good 
for  him  to  take  a  glance  in  a  mirror." 

"  O,  don't  you  understand  !  "  said  another.  "  He 
fears  to  die  of  hunger,  so  wishes  to  enter  the  castle 


The  Clansmen  Prepare  to  Defend  the  Castle.      37 

.where  he  knows  there  is  plenty  of  rice.  He  is  willing 
to  meet  a  soldier's  death,  if  he  can  first  of  all  satisfy 
the  craving  of  his  appetite." 

"  I  do  not  even  give  him  that  much  credit,"  whis- 
pered a  third.  "  My  opinion  is  he  has  heard  of  those 
three  men  whom  the  chief-councillor  supplied  with 
money  and  clothing  and  wants  to  share  their  good 
fortune." 

"  That  is  it !     That  is  it !  "  cried  the  others, 

"  Yes,"  said  a  weazened-faced  tailor.  "  A  tramping 
dog  often  happens  upon  a  good  dinner." 

The  grim-looking  samurai  did  not  trouble  himself 
to  listen,  but,  taking  his  seat  upon  the  stump  of  a  tree 
near  the  gate,  waited  patiently  as  though  expecting  a 
summons  from  within. 

In  a  few  moments  an  aristocratic,  martial-looking 
samurai,  named  Hatchet,  came  to  the  portal  and  en- 
quired of  the  registering  officers  : 

"  Among  those  who  are  waiting  for  admittance,  is 
there  not  one — Sir  Unconquerable." 

The  official  scanned  his  list,  and  bowing  respectfully, 
replied  : 

"  The  honorable  samurai  you  mention  has  not  yet 
arrived." 

Upon  receiving  this  answer,  Sir  Hatchet  raised  his 
voice  and  shouted  : 

"  Sir  Unconquerable !  Are  you  among  the  crowd  ? 
Sir  Big-rock  is  impatient  to  see  you." 

"  Sir  Unconquerable!   Sir  Unconquerable!"  echoed 


5g  The  Loyal  Ronins, 

the  officials  at  the  gate  ;  the  cry  being  taken  up  by  the 
loungers  outside. 

On  hearing  his  name  called,  the  saturnine  stranger 
slowly  rose  and  advanced  toward  the  gate,  the 
people  falling  back  as  he  approached. 

Sir  Hatchet  saluted  him  with  profound  respect  and 

said. 

"  Well  met,  Sir  Unconquerable  !  The  chief-council- 
lor has  been  expecting  you.  Now,  Sir,  please  accom- 
pany me  to  his  presence." 

Sir  Unconquerable  turned  slowly  round  and,  after 
glancing  contemptuously  upon  the  crowd,  followed  Sir 
Hatchet  to  the  council-chamber,  leaving  the  people  in 
amazement ;  the  tailor  presently  remarking  : 

•'  Great  Buddha,  we  can  no  longer  tell  a  gentleman 
by  his  clothes." 

That  afternoon  when  a  number  of  the  clansmen  were 
assembled  in  the  council-chamber,  talking  over  their 
plans  and  prospects,  one  of  them  exclaimed  : 

"  What  has  become  of  Sir  Island-in-the-front  ? 
He  has  always  been  noted  for  his  bravery  and  loyal- 
ty. Surely  he  has  not  sought  safety  in  flight.  It  is 
now  five  days  since  the  enrollment  began,  yet  his 
name  does  not  appear  on  the  lists." 

This  remark  aroused  the  ire  of  some  young  samu- 
rai, who,  clapping  their  hands  to  their  swords,  rose, 
saying  : 

"  We  will  attend  to  the  matter  and  pay  a  visit  to 
Sir  Island-in-the-front.  If  we  find  him  preparing  to 


The  Clansmen  Prepare  to  Defend  the  Castle.      39 

retire  like  a  crab,  we  will  send  him  upon  a  different 
journey." 

Away  they  went  rattling  their  swords  and  clattering 
their  clogs,  fully  determined  to  carry  out  their  words. 

Upon  reaching  the  house  they  entered  without 
ceremony,  and  rushing  into  the  reception-room 
found  everything  in  confusion. 

"  Ah  !"  exclaimed  their  leader.  "  I  knew  it  ;  it  is 
as  we  expected  ;  he  is  in  his  private  apartment.  I 
will  be  the  one  to  despatch  him." 

He  motioned  his  companions  to  remain  quiet  and 
advanced  to  the  entrance  of  the  room,  when  instead  of 
drawing  his  sword  he  halted  a  moment  and,  pointing 
forward,  said  : 

"  I  cannot  make  this  out.  There  is  his  armor  hang- 
ing from  the  beam  ready  to  be  put  on  at  a  moment's 
notice.  We  have  been  too  hasty." 

As  he  spoke  the  wife  of  Sir  Island-in-the-front  en- ' 
tered  from  the  yard,  and  falling  upon  her  knees  en- 
quired in  an  agitated  voice  : 

"  Honorable  sirs,  what  is  your  pleasure  ?" 

To  which  their  leader  answered  : 

"  We  desire  to  know  whether  your  husband  is  pre- 
paring to  assist  in  the  good  work  ?" 

"  Honorable  sirs,  he  is  down  upon  the  shore  attend- 
ing to  his  business." 

"  Ah  !"  said  the  samurai.  "  On  the  shore  is  he? 
Come,  gentlemen,  we  will  seek  him.  After  all  this 
looks  suspicious." 


4O  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

They  swaggered  off,  three  abreast,  like  stage  dai- 
mio,  and  presently  reached  the  custom-house  on  the 
wharf,  where  they  discovered  Sir  Island-in-the-front 
busily  engaged  loading  coolies  with  packages  of  pro- 
visions, on  seeing  which  they  rudely  demanded  what 
he  was  about,  and  why  he  had  not  enrolled  his  name. 

The  samurai  listened  gravely  and  replied  : 

"  Those  packages  are  destined  for  the  castle.  While 
you  have  been  doubting  my  loyalty  I  have  been  pro- 
viding the  means  for  your  support.  That  is  the  rea- 
son why  I  have  not  had  time  to  enroll  my  name." 

The  faces  of  the  young  men  crimsoned  with  shame, 
and,  bowing  respectfully,  their  leader  said  : 

1  Ten  thousand  pardons  for  the  ignorance  of  youth. 
'  The  sparrow  cannot  comprehend  the  mind  of  the 
eagle.' " 


CHAPTER  VII. 

SEALING  THE  COMPACT. 

"  A  million  evils  are  not  so  heavy  as  a  command  of  the  master  ; 
Balanced  against  the  latter  my  life  is  as  light  as  a  feather." 

These  words  were  uttered  by  Sir  Big-rock  upon  the 
occasion  of  his  receiving  an  official  notification  from 
the  Shogun,  commanding  him,  within  thirty  days, 
quietly  and  respectfully,  to  surrender  the  castle  of  Ako 
to  the  commissioners  who  would  be  despatched  for 
the  purpose  of  taking  possession  of  the  same.  This 
document  reached  him  about  the  time  Sir  Shell  and 
Sir  Pigeon-field  arrived  in  Yedo.  However,  he  did 
not  communicate  its  contents  to  the  clansmen,  deem- 
ing it  wisest  to  await  the  return  of  their  envoys  from 
the  capital.  Meanwhile  preparations  for  the  de- 
fense were  continued  and  the  fortress  was  victualled  to 
sustain  a  long  siege. 

On  the  morning  of  the  fourteenth  day  Sir  Shell  and 
Sir  Pigeon-field  presented  themselves  at  the  gate,  and 

41 


42  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

were  immediately  conducted  to  the  presence  of  Sir 
Big-rock.  Their  travel-stained  costumes  and  fatigued 
appearance  betokened  the  severity  of  their  journey. 

Sir  Pigeon-field  being  too  much  exhausted  to  speak, 
Sir  Shell  made  the  report,  which  was  as  follows  : 

"  Sir  Chief-councillor,  we  duly  delivered  the  petition 
to  the  proper  authorities  then  made  searching  enquiry 
regarding  Sir  Kira.  Alas!  Alas!  he  still  lives  and 
though  deprived  of  his  office,  basks  in  the  sun-shine 
of  the  Shogun's  favor.  We  hear  his  manner  is  as  in- 
solent as  ever  and  that  he  triumphs  in  the  disgrace  of 
our  house.  He  has  trebled  the  guards  at  the  gates  of 
his  residence  and  his  spies  dogged  our  steps  wherever 
we  went.  He  boasts  of  the  wisdom  of  Sir  Small- 
grove,  his  chief  councillor,  and  of  the  fidelity  of  his 
retainers,  and  laughs  at  the  idea  of  our  avenging  the 
death  of  our  lord.  While  the  latter  lies  under  the 
shadows  of  the  tall  pines  of  the  Spring-Hill  cemetery, 
us  enemy  gazes  at  the  rising  sun,  the  stately  Fuji,  and 
the  moon  illuminating  the  Sumida  river  and  mocks 
the  noble  spirit.  How  can  the  gods  permit  such  in- 
justice ? " 

Sir  Big-rock  listened  with  deep  attention,  then  re- 
plied : 

;*  I  thank  you  for  your  zeal  in  the  discharge  of  your 
mission.  Please  retire  and  take  the  refreshment  and 
repose  you  so  greatly  need.  I  desire  you  will  not 
nake  known  this  intelligence  to  any  one,  as  I  wish  to 
think  the  matter  over  before  I  communicate  it  to  the 
clan. 


Sealing  the  Combad.  43 

The  messengers  bowed  and  retired,  leaving-  Sir 
Big-rock  to  his  meditations. 

Two  days  afterward  he  assembled  a  second  coun- 
cil, and  thus  addressed  its  members: 

"  Fellow  clansmen,  it  is  my  duty  to  inform  you  that 
the  Shogun  has  commanded  me  to  deliver  up  the 
castle  to  an  army  of  occupation,  which,  bowing  to  his 
authority,  I  shall  do.  I  have  not  lightly  come  to 
this  conclusion.  To  oppose  the  lawful  authorities 
would  be  to  dishonor  the  memory  of  our  late  lord,  who 
upon  receiving  the  decree  of  the  Shogun,  immediately 
proceeded  to  carry  out  its  purport." 

The  samurai  listened  with  grave  attention,  and  when 
he  ceased  to  speak,  looked  inquiringly  at  one  another, 
as  though  expecting  he  would  say  something  more ; 
however  he  remained  with  his  head  bowed,  where- 
upon Sir  Common  said : 

"  Sir  Chief-councillor,  while  we  do  not  doubt  the 
wisdom  of  your  decision,  we  hesitate  to  abide  by  it 
without  first  knowing  what  is  to  become  of  us.  Are 
we  to  forget  our  loyalty  ?  Perish  the  thought ! " 

The  chief-councillor  respectfully  saluted  the  speaker, 
and  taking  a  document  from  his  bosom,  said  : 

"  This  is  my  reply !  "  unfolding  the  paper  and  read- 
ing, "  We,  the  undersigned,  retainers  of  the  Lord  of 
'Ako,  remembering  the  countless  favors  we  have  re- 
ceived at  his  hands  and  those  of  his  ancestors,  and  the 
words  of  the  sage  '  When  the  master  is  insulted,  it  is 
for  the  servant  to  die,'  hereby  vow  to  commit  self-de- 


44  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

spatch  and  follow  his  spirit  on  the  Lonely  Road,  thus 
demonstrating  to  the  world  our  respect  for  lawful  au- 
thority and  devotion  to  our  chief.  If  we  fail  to  carry 
out  this  vow,  may  the  vengeance  of  the  hundred  mil- 
lion gods  of  heaven  and  earth  be  visited  upon  us. 
January,  1699." 

The  chief-councillor  paused  in  order  to  note  the  ef- 
fect of  his  words  upon  the  assembly,  then  continued  : 

"  To-morrow  at  the  hour  of  the  Horse  (noon),  we 
will  re-assemble  for  the  purpose  of  signing  this.  The 
council  is  now  dismissed." 

At  the  appointed  time  sixty-three  of  the  clansmen 
were  kneeling  upon  the  matted  floor  of  the  council- 
chamber.  These  men  represented  the  rice  separated 
from  the  husks. 

After  a  brief  delay  Sir  Big-rock  entered  and,  salut- 
ing them  gravely,  produced  the  paper  which  he  un- 
folded and  reverently  deposited  on  the  tokonoma  in 
front  of  the  sambo.   Turning  to  the  assembly  he  drew  a 
little  knife  from  the  scabbard  of  his  sword,  cut  the  back 
of  the  third  finger  of  his  left  hand  and  placed  the  bleed- 
ing member   upon  the  document,  beneath  his  own 
name.     He  then  invited  Sir  Moat,  Sr.  to  follow  him, 
but  the  old  samurai  declined  the  honor  and  requested 
that  the  son  of  the  chief-councillor,  Sir  Big-rock,  Jr.,  a 
lad  of  thirteen,  should  sign  next  to  his  father.    The  boy 
advanced  and  performed  the  ceremony,  after  which  the 
others,  one  by  one,  did  the  same ;  the  last  to  sign 
being  a  foot  soldier  named  Temple-cliff,  addressing 
whom  Sir  Big-rock  said : 


Sealing  the  Compact.  4  5 

"  Your  presence  here  gratifies  the  spirit  of  our 
chief  and  adds  lustre  to  the  reputation  of  his  loyal  re- 
tainers." Then  speaking  to  the  entire  assembly, 
added  :  "  Immediately  after  the  surrender  of  the 
castle,  we  will  meet  at  the  family  temple  of  our  late 
lord  for  the  purpose  of  fulfilling  our  vow." 

The  next  day  Sir  Big-rock  paid  off  the  paper  cur- 
rency of  the  clan,  and,  having  set  aside  a  large  sum 
of  money  for  a  special  purpose,  divided  the  balance 
left  in  the  treasury  among  the  sixty-three  samurai, 
each  of  whom  received  twenty-five  rio. 

On  the  morning  of  the  thirtieth  day,  the  army  of 
occupation  arrived  before  the  gate  and  demanded  pos- 
session of  the  fortress,  whereupon  the  chief-councillor 
ordered  Sir  Common  to  marshal  the  clansmen  and 
march  them  out  of  the  castle.  The  occasion  afforded 
an  opportunity  for  the  official  to  display  his  military 
knowledge,  the  manner  in  which  he  manoeuvred  his 
forces  exciting  the  envy  and  admiration  of  the  be- 
holders. 

The  clansmen  emerged  two  abreast  from  the  portal, 
their  arms  and  accoutrements  glistening  in  the  cold 
sunlight.  Crossing  the  stone  causeway  they  deployed 
to  the  right  and  left  and  formed  into  two  bodies,  one 
under  the  command  of  Sir  Common  and  the  other 
under  Sir  Unconquerable.  They  stood  motionless, 
spear  in  hand,  as  though  ready  to  obey  any  order, 
whether  to  attack  or  retire. 

While  they  were  thus  waiting,  Sir  Island-in-the-front 


46  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

quitted  the  castle,  bearing  the  standard  of  the  late 
chief.  Following  him  came  Sir  Big-rock,  Jr.,  clad  in 
ceremonial  costume,  who  carried  in  his  hands  the 
sambo  covered  with  the  white  cloth,  the  intention  being 
to  screen  the  sacred  relic  from  the  profane  gaze  of  the 

vulgar.     Behind  him,  at  a  short  distance,  marched  the 
& 

chief-councillor,  guarded  by  samurai,  holding  in  his 
right  hand  the  key  of  the  main  gate. 

He  waited  until  his  son  had  joined  the  body  of 
clansmen  under  Sir  Common,  when  he  despatched  a 
messenger  to  the  commanders  of  the  army  of  occupa- 
tion, who  advanced  with  their  retinues  and  received 
the  key,  during  which  ceremony  Sir  Big-rock  and  his 
attendants  prostrated  themselves  upon  the  ground, 
while  the  representatives  of  the  SJw-gun  were  seated 
upon  camp-chairs. 

When  all  was  over  Sir  Big-rock  rejoined  the  clans- 
men whom  he  thus  addressed  : 

"  The  house  of  Ako  no  longer  exists.  I  bid  you  a 
sorrowful  farewell.  I  trust  those  among  you  who  may 
seek  new  masters  will  serve  them  as  faithfully  as  you 
have  served  your  late  lord." 

All  present  bowed  low  and  the  clan  dispersed. 

At  the  hour  of  the  Horse  Sir  Big-rock  entered  the 
temple  of  the  Snow-clad  Pine,  bearing  reverently  in 
his  hand  a  tablet  inscribed  with  the  posthumous  name 
of  his  lord,  behind  him  being  his  son  carrying  the 
sambo.  Upon  reaching  the  main  hall  they  were  met 
by  the  chief  priest  who  received  their  burdens  and 


Sealing  tJie  Compact.  47 

deposited  them  on  the  altar.  The  sixty-two  were  all 
assembled  with  their  swords  placed  upon  the  mats 
ready  for  use. 

Sir  Big-rock  advanced  to  the  post  of  honor  and 
kneeling,  prostrated  himself;  then,  without  drawing  his 
sword,  said  : 

"  The  time  has  not  arrived  for  us  to  use  our  weap- 
ons upon  ourselves,  and  the  reason  is  to  be  found  in 
the  words  of  Confucius,  '  Thou  shalt  not  live  under 
the  same  heaven  or  tread  the  same  earth  with  the 
enemy  of  thy  master  or  thy  parent.'  The  death  of  our 
lord  must  first  be  avenged.  His  enemy,  knowing 
full  well  the  spirit  that  animates  us,  will  render  our 
task  a  most  difficult  one,  nevertheless  we  must  ac- 
complish it.  The  king-fisher  always  finds  its  prey 
even  though  the  latter  hide  at  the  bottom  of  the 
river." 

The  conspirators  listened  attentively,  and  Sir  Moat, 
Sr.,  replied  : 

"  Sir  Big-rock,  we  will,  in  all  things,  be  guided  by 
your  example  and  counsel." 

The  chief  priest  provided  them  with  paper  and 
other  writing  materials,  upon  receiving  which  their 
leader  wrote  a  new  compact.  This  the  sixty-four 
sealed  with  their  bloody  hands. 

From  that  hour  they  became  in  the  eyes  of  men, 
as  they  were  already  in  the  eyes  of  the  law,  ronin, 
owing  allegiance  to  no  one  but  their  dead  lord. 

The    clansmen    not  concerned  in    the   league    did 


48  Tlic  Loyal  Ronins. 

what  they  considered  wisest  for  the  welfare  of  them- 
selves and  families,  the  greater  number  taking  ser- 
vice under  a  favorite  of  the  Sho-gun,  who  had  lately 
been  created  Lord  of  Sabaye. 

Within  a  week  of  the  surrender  of  the  castle,  Sir 
Big-rock  despatched  Sir  Shell,  Sir  Cliff-side,  Sir  Un- 
conquerable and  Sir  Thousand- cliffs  with  other  con- 
spirators to  Yedo,  instructing  them  minutely  to  watch 
Sir  Kira  and  report  his  movements,  having  done 
which  he  gave  up  his  residence  in  Ako  and  purchased 
a  house  in  Yamashina,  a  little  town  near  the  city  of 
Kioto. 

Upon  the  death  of  the  Lord  of  Ako,  his  wife,  Lady 
Fair-face,  assumed  the  religious  name  of  Pure-gem, 
and  took  up  her  abode  in  her  only  possession,  a  man- 
sion situated  in  the  Blue  Hill  district  in  the  western 
part  of  Yedo,  where,  attended  by  Lady  Pine-island 
and  a  few  faithful  maidens,  she  dwelt  secluded  from 
the  world,  waiting  for  the  time  to  arrive  when  the 
ronin  would  avenge  the  death  of  her  husband. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

THE   STORY   OF  A   YOUNG  WIFE'S   SORROW. 

In  the  fashionable,  northern  suburb  of  Yedo,  called 
Root-bank,  stood  a  cottage  surrounded  by  beautiful 
grounds  containing  many  lovely  trees,  plants  and  flow- 
ers, which  were  kept  green  and  fresh  by  a  little  stream 
that  flowed  through  the  domain.  The  result  of  an  ar- 
tistic taste  could  be  seen  on  every  side  but,  alas,  she 
who  had  created  the  paradise  had  passed  away  and 
her  late  home  was  inhabited  by  a  young  bride,  who, 
only  a  few  months  before,  had  been  a  famous  singing- 
girl.  At  the  expiration  of  her  contract  she  had  mar- 
ried a  young  merchant  named  Mr.  Bright-stone,  and 
he,  proud  of  his  lovely  wife,  had  installed  her  in  that 
charming  spot.  This  lady,  whose  name  was  Little- 
tiger,  was  left  much  alone,  her  husband  being  absent  at 
his  place  of  business  in  the  city,  and  as  solitude  natur- 
ally induces  feelings  of  gloom,  she  often  thought  of  her 
former  gay  life  and  contrasted  it  with  the  quietness 
and  stagnation  of  her  new  state. 

One  evening,  when  the  shadows  were  deepening, 

49 


50  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

she  took  up  her  guitar,  which  rested  against  a  pillar, 
and  after  tuning  it,  commenced  to  sing  a  well-known 

song. 

"  As  I  wandered  the  Niphon  road,  alone  and  sad ! 
my  heart  beat  fast  and  became  as  round  as  the  Imon 
Hill  that  lay  before  me. 

"  Neither  the  nightingale  nor  the  umbrella  man  noted 
the  approach  of  rain,  yet  my  sleeves  were  wet  with 
showers  of  tears. 

"  As  the  wood  vines  render  the  foot  of  Uyeno  Hill 
difficult  to  ascend,  so  is  the  path  of  love  crossed  with 
thorny  obstacles. 

"  The  waters  of  the  Sumida  river  tranquilly  pursue 
their  course,  but  when  my  thoughts  flow  toward  my 
love,  I  am  full  of  uncertainties." 

Instead  of  completing  the  song  she  suddenly  laid 
aside  the  instrument,  and  resting  her  chin  upon  her 
hands,  said  in  a  musing  tone : 

"  Although  my  husband  will  not  own  it,  I  am  sure, 
since  we  have  been  married,  his  business  has  decreased. 
I  believe  it  is  a  mistake  for  any  one  in  his  position  to 
disregard  public  opinion  and  sacrifice  his  comfort. 
Why  has  he  brought  me  to  dwell  in  such  a  secluded 
place  ?  Surely  this  cannot  be  the  summer-house  of 
which  I  have  heard  so  much,  but  one  he  has  hurriedly 
hired  for  my  reception.  He  goes  off  very  early  to  the 
city  and  does  not  return  until  late  at  night.  The  empty 
state  of  his  money-bag  and  his  worried  looks  tell  the 
story  of  his  trouble.  Though  shame  and  considera- 


A   Young  Wifes  Sorrow.  5i 

tion  for  my  feelings,  may  keep  him  from  imparting  the 
disastrous  news  to  me,  I  would  prefer  to  learn  the 
worst  and  share  his  sorrow,  knowing  the  pangs  of  un- 
spoken grief  are  doubly  hard  to  bear." 

The  chirping  of  the  birds,  calling  their  mates  to  their 
resting-places  among  the  trees,  and  the  dusk  of  the 
evening  added  to  her  sadness,  and  tears  began  to 
course  down  her  cheeks. 

Presently  she  heard  some  one  opening  the  gate, 
upon  which  she  dried  her  eyes,  rose,  hurried  to  the 
entrance  and  welcomed  her  husband,  saying  : 

"  Dear  Bright-stone,  you  are  very  late  ;  I  began  to 
have  fears  about  you." 

"  Do  not  be  alarmed,  Little-tiger;  I  have  been  very 
busy  to-day  running  all  over  the  city  and  must  make 
another  visit  before  retiring  to  rest." 

He  followed  her  into  the  house,  when  his  wife,  after 
closing  the  outer  door,  knelt  close  to  him  and  said : 

"  Dear  Bright-stone,  please  do  not  go  out  again  this 
evening ;  I  know  not  why  but  something  tells  me  to 
ask  you  this ;  my  heart  is  full  of  sadness." 

He  drew  her  toward  him,  rested  her  head  upon  his 
knees,  and  patting  her  on  the  back,  replied  : 

"  I  understand  all,  Little-tiger.  I  suppose  the  con- 
trast between  your  gay  home  and  this  place  is  too 
great.  In  a  few  days  we  will  remove  to  our  city 
residence  when  I  am  sure  you  will  feel  more  cheer- 
ful." 

"Oh,   Bright-stone!"    she  sobbed.     "You   do   not 


52  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

understand  me.    It  fs  not  my  loneliness  but  your  secret 
sorrow  that  renders  me  so  unhappy." 

"Little-tiger!  Little-tiger!"  he  exclaimed,  "who 
has  been  speaking  to  you  about  my  business  af- 
fairs?" 

"  No  one,"  she  said.  "  I  have  learned  all  by  watch- 
ing your  face.  Please  do  not  conceal  the  nature  of 
your  misfortune  from  me.  If  I  am  not  worthy  to  share 
your  trouble,  I  am  unworthy  to  be  your  wife." 

Her  speech  greatly  affected  him  and  it  was  some 
moments  ere  he  could  reply,  when  he  said : 

"  Dear  Little-tiger,  your  love  magnifies  your  fears. 
The  fact  is  my  business  compels  me  to  take  a  journey, 
and,  truth  to  tell,  I  must  set  out  to-night.  Now  you 
know  all." 

1  To-night  ?"  she  cried,  in  a  despairing  voice.  "  No, 
not  to-night.  Wait  until  morning." 

"  I  Cannot,    little   one,   I    must    set   out   at    once. 

Here,"  withdrawing  a  package  containing  five  rio  and 

a  sealed  letter  from  his  bosom,  «  is  what  I  came  to 

nng  you.      Now   I  must  return  to  the  city.       You 

here  find  necessary  instructions,  and  the  money 

will  be  sufficient  to  last  you  until  my  return." 

:>h,   please    wait  awhile,"  she  cried,  clinging   to 
'If  you  must  depart  this  evening,  let  me  ac- 
company  you." 

"  How  can  I  take  you  where  I  myself  dislike  to  cro. 
Come,  be  brave,  my  Little-tiger." 

Her    womanly   perception    penetrated  his    loving 


A  Young  Wife's  Sorrow.  63 

stratagem,  and  regarding  him  with  overflowing  eyes, 
she  pleaded : 

14  Oh,  my  dear  husband,  sit  down  again.  I  under- 
stand all.  A  sudden  calamity  has  overtaken  you  and 
you  are  about  to  end  your  life.  That  letter  contains 
your  farewell.  Friendless  as  I  am,  if  I  must  part 
from  you,  I  have  no  need  of  money.  I  shall  follow 
the  path  you  take." 

She  clung  to  him  with  one  hand  and  with  the 
other  broke  the  seal  of  the  letter,  noticing  which  he 
cried : 

"  My  dear,  that  is  not  intended  for  you  to  read  now. 
I  must  hurry  away." 

The  agonized  wife  only  grasped  him  more  firmly,  as 
she  did  so  quickly  glancing  over  the  epistle,  which  she 
presently  dropped,  exclaiming  : 

"  Ah !  I  find  it  is  as  I  thought.  What  can  I  say  ? 
You  are  blameless.  It  is  I,  a  woman  of  low  birth, 
once  a  singing  girl,  who  has  brought  this  ruin  upon 
you.  Still,  as  you  have  chosen  me  for  your  wife,  do 
you  imagine  I  could  survive  your  death  ?" 

"  No,  dear  and  admirable  one,"  he  sobbed,  "  I  have 
never  thought  'you  would  be  thus  unfaithful.  Had  I 
done  so,  I  would  not  have  taken  pains  to  provide 
for  you  after  my  death.  I  know  full  well  the  world 
will  brand  me  as  a  coward  for  shirking  my  responsi- 
bilities instead  of  bravely  facing  them ;  but,  alas,  I 
have  of  late  been  so  unfortunate  that  I  am  disgusted 
with  my  life  and  am  determined  to  end  it.  You- 


5 4  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

quitted  your  gay  circle  to  please  me,  and  have  been 
only  a  prisoner  in  this  wild  place,  so  I  thought  if^I 
were  out  of  the  way,  you  would  be  better  off.  This 
small  sum  of  five  rio  will  not  go  far,  still  it  was  ob- 
tained honestly,  therefore  I  pray  you  to  accept  it." 
So  saying  he  sunk  down  at  her  feet,  prostrated 

with  grief. 

By  and  by,  when  she  had  somewhat  comforted  him, 

she  said  : 

"The  gods  decree  all  things  for  our  good.  We 
will  go  to  the  '  Well-of-the-woods'  near  by,  and  there 
end  our  lives,  dying  in  the  beautiful  spot  rendered 
sacred  by  the  devotion  of  the  singing-girl,  White-oak, 
who  is  buried  near  her  lover  beneath  the  spreading 
branches  of  the  weeping  willow,  planted  in  her  mem- 
ory." 

Bright-stone  rose,  and  regarding  her  tenderly,  said  : 
"  The  willow  tree  you  mention  is  said  to  possess 
miraculous  power.     Come,  we  will  seek  its  shelter." 

They  quitted  the  house,  hand  in  hand,  and  pro- 
ceeded toward  the  Three-points  in  the  direction  of 
the  "  Well-of-the-woods,"  pausing  to  pray  at  the  wil- 
low tree,  to  one  of  the  branches  of  which  the  wife  tied 
her  silken  girdle-string,  a  sign  she  had  renounced  all 
hope  of  life. 

As  they  approached  the  well  they  saw  the  pale 
moon  reflected  upon  the  placid  water,  noticing  which 
they  knelt  and  said  their  last  prayers.  All  was  lonely 
and  sorrow-inviting. 


A  Young  Wifes  Sorrow.  55 

After  a  few  moments  they  rose,  joined  hands  and 
prepared  for  the  fatal  leap  when  a  samurai  advanced 
along  the  path  and,  divining  their  intention,  rushed 
forward  and  seized  them. 

The  new  comer  was  Sir  Small-grove,  chief  councillor 
of  Sir  Kira,  a  man  whose  loyalty  would  at  any  time 
cause  him  to  cross  swords  with  the  enemy  of  his  mas- 
ter, and  who,  though  that  master  erred,  always  coun- 
selled him  rightly,  even  at  the  risk  of  incurring  his  dis- 
pleasure. 

When  Sir  Small -grove  had  drawn  them  from  the 
edge  of  the  well  he  enquired  the  cause  of  their  sorrow, 
and,  upon  learning  the  truth,  became  greatly  interested 
and  did  his  best  to  console  them,  saying : 

"  My  good  friends,  you  are  both  very  young,  there- 
fore, doubtless,  feel  unable  to  bear  such  great  shame  and 
sorrow.  Probably,  in  your  despair,  the  course  you 
had  decided  to  take  appeared  the  best  under  the  cir- 
cumstances. It  was  in  truth  a  very  foolish  one,  There 
are  changes  in  the  career  of  every  man,  and  though 
he  may  fall  very  low  yet  who  can  say  he  will  not  rise 
again.  I  came  here  to-night  to  pray  under  yonder 
venerable  tree  for  my  honored  lord,  that  the  dangers 
now  besetting  him  may  be  averted.  In  being  able  to 
save  your  lives,  I  recognize  a  good  omen  for  him.  As 
you  have,  by  my  interposition,  been  delivered  from 
death,  so  will  he  be  saved  from  his  enemies.  I  pray 
you  dry  your  tears  and  come  with  me." 

Bright-stone  and  his  wife  were  touched  by  the  kind- 


56  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

ness  of  Sir  Small-grove,  and  after  gratefully  saluting 
him  and  returning  their  thanks,  accompanied  him  to 
his  house  where  they  remained  a  few  days. 

It  fortunately  happened  that  one  Mr.  Young- island, 
an  old  friend  of  Sir  Small-grove  and  a  mirror-maker 
by  trade,  desired  to  adopt  a  son,  so,  at  the  samurai's 
suggestion  Mr.  Bright-stone  and  his  wife  were  received 
into  the  merchant's  family. 

In  a  future  chapter  I  will  tell  how  these  young  peo- 
ple were  enabled  to  return  the  great  kindness  rendered 
them  by  Sir  Small-grove,  who,  though  he  served  a 
bad  master,  was,  like  Sir  Big-rock,  a  man  of  a  hundred 
thousand. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

THE    CONTEMPTIBLE    BEHAVIOR    OF     THE     TWO     COUN- 
CILLORS. 

"  At  the  first  signs  of  a  storm  the  timid  hare  seeks  safety  in  the 

earth. 
When  trouble  overtakes  the  master,  the  disloyal  servant  fills  his 

pouch  and  departs." 

I  came  across  this  maxim  the  other  day  while  read- 
ing a  history  of  the  forty-seven  ronin ;  and  as  birds 
collect  various  substances  with  which  to  form  their 
nests,  so  authors  search  out  and  use  the  thoughts  of 
others,  which  they  weave  into  their  stories.  I  quote 
the  foregoing  saying  in  order  to  illustrate  the  cases 
of  those  cowardly  wretches,  Sir  Arrow-stand  and  Sir 
Wisteria-lake. 

On  the  night  of  their  lord's  death  they  met  in  the 
apartment  of  Mrs.  White-stocking,  wife  of  Sir  Arrow- 
stand,  and  began  to  talk  over  their  prospects. 

"  What  shall  we  do  ?  "  nervously  enquired  Sir 
Wisteria-lake,  who  was  the  younger  of  the  two  men. 
"  We  are  blamed  for  everything  that  has  occurred  and 
our  position  has  become  a  very  hot  one." 

57 


58  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

"  Yes,"  mournfully  answered  Sir  Arrow-stand,  pour- 
ing out  a  big  cup  of  saki  which  he  raised  to  his  lips 
with  a  shaking  hand.  "  The  fact  is,  Sir  Wisteria-lake, 
we  are  in  a  well.  Everyone  else  can  go  to  Ako,  but 
we  must  seek  other  and  more  pleasant  quarters.  Sir 
Big-rock  will  never  overlook  our  blunder.  I  think  the 
wisest  thing  for  us  to  do,  will  be  to  commit  self-despatch 
and  thus  secure  a  good  name  for  the  future." 

The  lady  uttered  a  peculiar  sound,  indicative  of  dis- 
sent, and  resting  the  palms  of  her  hands  upon  her 
knees,  gave  her  husband  a  significant  look,  wagging 
her  head  as  she  did  so,  after  the  manner  of  young  wo- 
men mated  to  old  husbands  whom  they  have  tamed  to 
wear  petticoats. 

Sir  Arrow-stand,  who,  though  used  to  that  sort  of 
demonstration,  was  anxious  to  keep  his  friend  in  ig- 
norance of  it,  gazed  at  her  over  his  horn-spectacles  and 
mildly  remarked  : 

"  Your  cough  is  again  troubling  you  ?  " 

"  I  did  not  cough,"  she  tartly  replied.  "  I  said 
pewgh ! " 

Sir  Wisteria-lake,  who  was  respectfully  waiting  for 
the  termination  of  this  domestic  encounter,  looked  en- 
quiringly at  Sir  Arrow-stand,  who  he  expected  would 
reproach  the  lady ;  however  the  husband  merely 
replied  : 

1  The  noise  outside  renders  conversation  somewhat 
-difficult.     Honorable  wife,  what  are  you  condemning?  " 

"  Your  determination,"  she  said.     "  You  always  for- 


Contemptible  Behavior  of  the  Councillors.         5  9 

get  me.  If  you  commit  self-despatch,  what  am  I  to 
do?" 

Sir  Wisteria-lake  bent  forward  and  murmured,  as 
though  thinking  aloud  : 

"  Follow  his  honorable  example." 

Mrs.  White-stocking  pretended  not  to  hear  this  re- 
mark which,  in  no  manner,  agreed  with  her  inclination; 
so,  after  filling  and  lighting  her  pipe,  she  glanced  at 
her  husband  and  said  : 

"  Honorable  Sir,  listen  to  me.  You  and  Sir  Wisteria- 
lake  have  the  keys  of  the  treasury,-  why  not  accept  the 
benevolent  provision  of  the  gods  ?  To-morrow  the 
commissioners  will  arrive  and  pocket  all  that  is  left." 

Sir  Arrow-stand  turned  to  his  comrade  and  remarked 
in  an  under-tone  : 

"  The  strongest  is  not  always  the  wisest." 

"  This  is  no  time  to  quote  poetry,"  she  cried.  "  If 
you  mean  business,  go  to  the  treasury  at  once.  I  will 
accompany  you  and,  while  you  are  filling  your  bags, 
select  some  of  the  soul-stirring  robes  from  my  lady's 
presses  ;  there  are  eye-hitters  stored  there.  Now  that 
my  mistress  is  a  widow  she  will  no  longer  have  use  for 
such  things  and,  I  am  sure,  would  rather  know  they 
decorated  my  back  than  see  them  in  the  possession  of 
the  commissioners'  favorites." 

;  At  first  her  husband  affected  to  be  shocked  by  her 
proposition,  and  Sir  Wisteria-lake  waved  his  hand  as 
though  signifying  he  could  never  consent  to  such  a 
thing  ;  however,  when  they  had  exhausted  their  stock 


6o  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

of  moral  maxims,  they  took  their  lanterns  and  pro- 
ceeded to  the  fire-proof  building,  where  the  robes  and 
other  treasures  of  their  dead  master  and  living  mis- 
tress were  stored. 

The  men,  who  now  forgot  all  scruples,  set  to  work 
to  fill  their  bags  with  koban  (oval,  gold  coins  of  various 
values),  for  which  purpose  they  kicked  open  the  treas- 
ure-boxes and  otherwise  conducted  themselves  like 
burglars.  Sir  Wisteria-lake  secured  the  plunder  while 
Sir  Arrow-stand  made  entries  in  a  note-book,  he  being 
determined,  when  the  time  came  for  them  to  divide  their 
prize,  his  companion  should  not  have  more  than  his  share. 

This  matter  kept  him  very  busy,  as  Sir  Wisteria-lake 
instead  of  depositing  the  koban  in  the  common  purse,  be- 
trayed a  tendency  to  slip  them  into  his  sleeve ;  therefore 
Sir  Arrow-stand  failed  to  notice  the  actions  of  his  wife. 

When  they  were  filling  the  last  bag  he  observed 
Mrs.  White-stocking  on  her  knees  before  an  immense 
bale,  which  she  was  securing  with  a  silken  cord,  while 
between  her  teeth  she  held  a  pocket-book,  containing 
paper-currency,  wrapped  in  a  white  cloth.  Seeing  her 
thus  employed  he  said  : 

"  What  are  you  doing  ?  " 

44  That  is  my  affair,"  she  mumbled,  the  pocket-book 
preventing  her  from  speaking  very  plainly.  "  Go  on 
with  your  business,  I  will  attend  to  mine." 

Hearing  this  remark  Sir  Wisteria-lake  paused  in  the 
act  of  placing  a  koban  in  the  bag  and  said  : 

44  We  shall  be  unable  to  carry  anything  so  weighty." 


Contemptible  Behavior  of  tJie  Councillors.         61 

"  Don't  you  trouble  yourself,"  she  retorted.  "  I  will 
be  my  own  coolie." 

"  My  dear,"  whispered  her  husband,  "  do  not  burden 
yourself  with  those  bulky  things  ;  take  money.  That 
will  purchase  you  all  the  dresses  you  require." 

"  Pewgh  !  "  she  contemptuously  returned.  "  There 
are  robes  in  this  bale  that  cannot  be  duplicated.  When 
a  man  meddles  with  a  lady's  wardrobe,  he  attempts 
something  he  does  not  understand." 

"  As  you  will,  as  you  will,  my  dear,"  he  hurriedly 
replied, 

"  Yes,"  she  said,  leaning  back  and  tightening  the 
cord  of  the  package.  "  It  has  been  and  shall  always 
be  as  I  will." 

Sir  Arrow-stand  uttered  a  deep  sigh  and  returned  to 
his  work.  When  they  had  collected  as  much  as  they 
could  carry  he  secured  the  door  of  the  building  and 
they  proceeded  toward  their  house. 

Mrs.  White-stocking  soon  dropped  her  burden  and 
exclaimed  : 

"  It  is  too  heavy !  " 

"  I  told  you  so,"  said  her  husband  in  a  low  tone. 
"  Let  us  hurry !  I  do  not  wish  to  be  discovered  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  treasury." 

"  Not  one  step  will  I  advance  without  my  bundle," 
she  resolutely  answered.  "  Come,  pick  it  up  and  carry 
it  between  you." 

The  over-burdened  men  did  as  they  were  required, 
both  being  in  her  power. 


62  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

They  soon  reached  the  house,  when  she  made  them 
pack  the  money  among  her  movables.  An  hour  be- 
fore the  dawn  the  party  quitted  \.\\e  yashzki  (mansion), 
going  forth  like  burglars  anxious  to  avoid  the  gaze  of 
honest  people. 

Later  on  I  will  describe  the  punishment  that  over- 
took this  disloyal  trio.  Meanwhile  we  will  leave  the 
wretched  men  to  be  tormented  by  the  bitter  tongue 
of  the  shrew. 


CHAPTER  X. 

WHAT  OCCURRED  AT  THE  RESTAURANT  OF  THE  ROYAL 
CHRYSANTHEMUM. 

"  The  perfect  state  is  only  to  be  obtained  by  prayer.  We  will 
not  kill  the  birds  and  will  even  feed  the  wild  eagles,  and  by  such 
deeds  shall  our  lives  be  rendered  pure." 

This  was  the  prayer  of  a  pious  priest,  who  many 
years  ago  dwelt  in  a  hermitage  on  the  spot  now  occu- 
pied by  the  Temple  of  Asakusa.  From  that  little  germ 
grew  a  mighty  fabric,  which  during  the  prosperous  reign 
of  a  wise  sovereign,  flourished  and  attracted  great 
crowds  of  people,  who  daily  visited  it  and  made  their 
supplications  to  the  goddess  Kuwannon,  the  mother  of 
mercy. 

The  approaches  to  this  beautiful  place  were  lined 
with  restaurants,  among  them  being  a  celebrated  one 
bearing  the  sign  of  the  Royal  Chrysanthemum. 

One  day,  in  April,  when  the  cherry-blossoms  were 
just  budding  in  the  Temple  gardens,  an  old,  gray- 
haired  man,  accompanied  by  a  beautiful  girl  of  seven- 
teen years,  entered  the  inn  and  took  their  places  on 

63 


64  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

the  matted  floor  of  the  public  room.  An  attendant 
quickly  placed  a  screen  before  them  and  having  ob- 
tained their  order  retired. 

The  patriarch,  whose  cheeks  were  moistened  with 
tears,  said  to  his  companion. 

"My  dear  Home,  it  is  not  fear  that  drives  me  away 
from  Yedo.  I  am  becoming  too  old  to  properly  take 
care  of  you  and  am  afraid  that  your  beauty  will  prove 
a  source  of  misery  to  you.  I  have  therefore  made  up 
my  mind  to  quit  the  city  and  live  in  the  country.  Al- 
though you  may  at  first  feel  lonely  and  dislike  to  reside 
among  strangers,  you  will  soon  become  accustomed  to 
the  life.  Keep  a  good  heart  and  bear  my  decision 
with  patience." 

To  this  explanation  and  entreaty  the  maiden  affec- 
tionately replied  : 

"  Grandfather,  as  long  as  you  are  with  me  I  shall 
not  be  friendless,  and  once  in  the  country  no  one  will 
annoy  us.  Still  I  cannot  help  feeling  regret  at  having  to 
part  with  my  dear  friends  and  my  kind  music-teacher." 

The  old  man  watched  her  closely  and  endeavored 
to  lessen  her  distress,  saying  : 

"  I  described  our  new  home  as  being  in  the  country 
while  in  reality  Golden-shore  is  not  far  from  Yedo ;  it 
is  also  a  famous  watering-place  and  neither  dull  nor 
lonesome.  When  you  desire  to  see  your  old  friends 
you  can  join  a  party  of  pilgrims  coming  hither  to  pray 
to  the  goddess  Kuwannon  and  thus  reach  the  city 
quite  safely." 


What  Occurred  at  the  Restaurant.  65 

His  words  were  cheerful,  but  his  heart  was  sorely 
troubled  at  being  compelled  to  take  his  grand-child 
from  her  companions  and  install  her  in  a  strange  home, 
and  for  awhile  he  remained  silent,  absorbed  in  sad 
thoughts. 

In  a  short  time  the  quick-footed  attendant  spread  a 
humble  repast  before  them,  and  Miss  Home  was  in  the 
act  of  pouring  out  saki  when  two  strangers  swaggered 
into  the  room.  One  of  the  new  comers  appeared  to 
be  a  merchant  and  the  other,  a  person  of  rough  de- 
meanor, was  a  middle-man. 

Upon  seeing  the  grandfather  they  advanced  to  where 
he  was  seated,  and  pushing  aside  the  screen,  squatted 
before  him,  the  middle-man  exclaiming  : 

"  Mr.  Left-gate-keeper,  we  have  met  in  a  very  good 
place." 

The  person  addressed  trembled  with  apprehension, 
noticing  which  his  granddaughter  glanced  uneasily  at 
the  intruders  whose  behavior  greatly  distressed  her. 

"  Oh,  you  need  not  look  so  very  innocent,  Mr.  Left- 
gate-keeper,"  rudely  continued  the  fellow.  "  To  judge 
from  your  face,  no  one  would  think  you  knew  that 
your  son  had  borrowed  money  of  this  gentleman. 
You  act  as  though  you  had  a  perfect  right  to  take  your 
granddaughter  where  you  please.  But,  kind  Sir,  I  say 
you  no." 

The  bewildered  grandfather  did  not  reply,  simply 
clasping  his  hands  and  regarding  the  speaker,  seeing 
which  the  merchant  said  in  a  conciliatory  tone  : 


66  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

"  Mr.  Prosperity,  have  a  little  patience  with  him.  I 
will  take  this  young  girl  by  way  of  payment,  and  thus 
wipe  out  the  obligation." 

"  That  is  a  bright  thought  of  yours,"  said  the  middle- 
man, and  addressing  Mr.  Left-gate-keeper,  he  added. 
"  Do  you  hear  that,  Mr.  Grandfather,  surely  it  will 
satisfy  you.  See  here,  Miss  Home,  you  are  to  be  the 
pay  for  your  parent's  debt,  therefore  cannot  accom- 
pany your  relative.  The  obligation  having  been  in- 
curred by  your  father,  you  will  not  say  no,  so  come 
along  with  me,  at  once." 

While  the  men  were  making  ready  to  start,  the 
terrified  girl  turned  to  her  troubled  companion  and  said : 

"My  dear  grandfather,  what  am  I  to  do  ?  Is  it  true 
I  must  accompany  these  persons  ?  Can  you  not  help 
me  ?  "  Thus  speaking  she  grasped  the  sleeve  of  his 
robe  and  began  to  weep. 

Mr.  Prosperity  laughed  heartily  and  sneeringly 
exclaimed  :  "  Come  now,  don't  give  us  any  more 
trouble." 

He  seized  the  girl's  hands  and  endeavored  to  drag 
her  away,  whereupon  the  old  man  arose  and  thrusting 
him  back,  cried  : 

1  What,  shall  I  part  with  my  dear  granddaughter 
for  the  paltry  sum  of  five  rio  ?  No,  no  !  You  shall  not 
take  advantage  of  my  age  and  the  death  of  my  son ! 
You  say  he  borrowed  money  of  you  ;  where  is  your 
proof?  Have  you  his  writing  to  show?  Whether 
you  have  or  not  I  will,  upon  reaching  Golden-shore, 


WJiat  Occurred  at  tlie  Restaurant.  67 

borrow  the  amount  you  demand  and  forward  it  to  you 
by  a  swift  messenger.  Under  no  circumstances  will  I 
give  up  the  charge  of  my  granddaughter." 

"  By  the  sacred  mountain  !  "  ejaculated  the  merchant. 
"  We  are  not  such  fools  as  to  depend  upon  a  mere 
promise,  even  though  it  proceed  from  the  mouth  of 
the  old  and  honorable  Mr.  Left-gate-keeper." 

"  Our  patience  is  exhausted,"  cried  the  middle-man. 
"  We  must  and  will  have  this  girl." 

He  once  more  seized  her  and  dragged  her  toward 
the  entrance,  shouting  :  "  Stop  your  whimpering  and 
come  along." 

"  Here,  man,  you  go  too  far,"  passionately  exclaimed 
the  grandparent.  "  Although  I  am  aged  I  can  still 
use  my  sword  and  will  not  see  my  son's  daughter 
kidnapped." 

He  endeavored  to  draw  his  weapon  but  his  palsied 
hand  refused  its  office,  seeing  which  the  merchant 
retorted  : 

"  Look  here,  Mr.  Left-gate-keeper,  I  shall  not  ex- 
cuse such  words." 

"  Nor  I,"  said  the  middle- man.  "  What  is  the  good 
of  your  wasting  your  feeble  breath.  You  know  full 
well  you  were  compelled  to  leave  your  house  on 
Buddha-river  Street  on  account  of  being  in  arrear  with 
your  rent  and  were  not  even  allowed  to  remove  your 
furniture.  Your  promise  to  pay  is  a  mere  trick.  We 
have  caught  you  in  the  act  of  running  away.  You  can- 
not deceive  me.  Everyone  knows  what  sort  of  man  I  am. 


68  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

My  name  is  Mr.  Prosperity  and  I  am  termed  the  back- 
bone of  the  middle-men  of  Yedo." 

As  he  uttered  these  bombastic  words  he  glanced 
menacingly  around  at  the  guests,  in  order  to  intimidate 
them  and  prevent  their  interference,  then  renewed  his 
attempt  to  drag  Miss  Home  from  the  apartment. 

The  poor  girl,  who  was  almost  terrified  out  of  her 
senses,  broke  from  him  and  darted  toward  a  screen 
behind  which  a  ronin-samurai  was  seated,  partaking 
of  refreshments.  The  middle-man  pursued  her,  and  in 
his  struggle  kicked  over  the  screen  which  fell  upon  the 
gentleman,  who,  enraged  at  the  double  outrage,  sprang 
to  his  feet  and  dealt  Mr.  Prosperity  a  blow  that  sent 
him  upon  the  floor,  then,  drawing  his  sword,  stood  over 
him,  exclaiming  : 

"  Dog,  what  do  you  mean  ?  " 

The  samurai  was  Sir  Shell,  who  had  been  refreshing 
himself  after  a  tour  of  inspection,  the  object  of  which 
was  to  learn  something  of  the  movements  of  Sir  Kira. 
He  certainly  was  a  handsome  young  man,  and  as  he 
stood  there  his  white  complexion,  aquiline  nose,  clear 
eyes,  rosy  lips  and  brave  demeanor,  captivated  the 
heart  of  Miss  Home,  who,  kneeling  by  the  side  of  her 
grandfather,  timidly  glanced  up  at  her  deliverer. 

"  You  impudent  wretch,"  continued  the  samurai, 
"  although  social  distinctions  lose  their  sharpness  in  a 
restaurant,  your  kicking  over  my  table  in  the  midst  of 
my  dinner  is  more  than  I  ought  to  permit.  I  shall 
therefore  punish  you." 


Wkat  Occurred  at  the  Restaurant.  69 

Both  the  merchant  and  the  middle-man  were  greatly 
frightened  and,  prostrating  themselves  with  their  fore- 
heads to  the  floor,  besought  his  forgiveness,  explain- 
ing that  they  were  there  to  arrest  some  runaways,  in 
doing  which  they  had  not  intended  to  offend  the  guests, 
least  of  all  a  noble  samurai  like  himself. 

Sir  Shell  glanced  disdainfully  at  them  and  re- 
turned : 

"  I  am  not  about  to  punish  you  for  your  lack  of 
courtesy  toward  myself,  but  for  your  disrespect  for 
age.  You  men  of  low  degree,  taking  advantage  of 
this  old  gentleman's  years  and  helplessness,  have 
sought  to  kidnap  this  young  lady,  in  doing  which  you 
have  violated  the  laws  of  your  country.  Your  foot 
kicked  over  the  screen  upon  me,  I  will  have  that  foot." 

He  drew  his  sword  and  flourished  it,  seeing  which 
the  middle-man  humbly  pleaded  : 

"  Honorable  sir,  I  deserve  the  punishment,  but  the 
noble  samurai  will  surely  stay  his  hand  when  he  hears 
I  have  a  mother  and  a  little  son  who  are  entirely  de- 
pendent upon  me  for  their  support." 

"  Yes,  yes,"  murmured  the  merchant.  "  I  can  vouch 
for  all  he  says." 

Sir  Shell  deliberated  a  moment,  then  observed : 

"  I  should  only  stain  my  good  sword  with  the  blood 
of  such  a  reptile.  In  case  I  spare  you,  will  you  assent 
to  my  proposal  ?  " 

"  We  will  agree  to  anything,"  they  answered.  "  Name 
your  own  conditions." 


7o  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

"  Good,"  he  cried.  "  In  the  first  place  you  will  re- 
nounce all  claim  upon  this  old  gentleman.  As  for 
the  sum  you  demand  I  will  pay  that.  Under  no  cir- 
cumstances will  I  permit  you  to  interfere  with  this 
young  lady;"  then  turning  to  Miss  Home,  he  con- 
tinued :  "  perhaps  I  am  taking  too  great  a  liberty — will 
you  permit  me  to  interfere  in  this  matter  ?  " 

The  maiden,  who  felt  very  bashful  in  the  presence 
of  the  handsome  stranger,  could  only  faintly  utter : 
"  I  thank  you,  honorable  sir." 
Her  grandfather  came  to  her  aid,  saying  : 
"  We  are  deeply  indebted  to  you.      I    am  really 
ashamed  to  figure  in  such  a  disgraceful  affair.     I  shall 
regard  the  money  as  a  loan  which   I  will  endeavor 
speedily  to  repay." 

Sir  Shell  bowed  and  said  : 

"  Honored  sir,  I  beg  you  not  to  refer  to  that,  I  will 
settle  this  matter." 

After  which,  addressing  the  prostrate  pair,  he  sternly 
said  : 

"  Let  me  have  your  decision.  Will  you  take  my 
money  or  a  thrust  of  my  sword  ?  Ah !  I  see  you  pre- 
fer the  former.  Be  quick,  make  out  the  receipt  and  be 
off." 

The  exchange  was  soon  made,  and  in  a  few  moments 
the  kidnappers  were  out  of  the  house. 

The  guests,  who  had  been  much  alarmed  by  the 
blustering  of  the  intruders,  loudly  expressed  their 
admiration  for  the  courage  and  charity  of  the  samu- 


What  Occurred  at  the  Restaurant.  71 

rai,  while  the  latter,  turning  to  Mr.  Left-gate-keeper, 
said  : 

"  Honorable  sir,  you  must  have  felt  very  anxious ; 
however,  thanks  to  my  good  sword,  the  danger  has 
passed  from  you.  Still,  even  now,  you  will  have 
to  use  caution,  and  it  is  not  safe  for  you  to  tarry  here. 
I  would  advise  you  to  quit  the  place  at  once." 

The  old  man  bowed  profoundly  and  gratefully  re- 
plied : 

"  By  some  mysterious  providence  we  have  received 
a  great  charity  at  your  hands."  Then,  whispering  to 
Miss  Home,  said  :  "  My  dear  granddaughter,  why  do 
you  not  thank  the  honorable  gentleman  ?  " 

"  Indeed  I — I  feel  under  a  great  obligation  to  you," 
she  stammered. 

"  I  beg  you  will  not  mention  it,"  said  Sir  Shell.  "  I 
know  it  was  discourteous  to  draw  my  sword  in  the 
presence  of  so  fair  a  lady,  yet  the  exigency  of  the  case 
demanded  it.  I  cannot  leave  you  without  asking  your 
pardon  for  my  rudeness.  I  have  an  urgent  duty  to 
perform,  therefore  must  now  say  farewell.  I  hope  at 
some  future  day  to  be  again  illuminated  by  the  light  of 
your  countenance." 

These  words  caused  her  heart  to  beat  violently. 
Poor  girl !  she  was  already  deeply  in  love  with  her 
gallant  rescuer,  not  because  he  was  young  and  hand- 
some but  on  account  of  his  goodness  of  heart,  which 
had  induced  him  to  bestow  the  large  sum  of  five  rio 
upon  a  passing  stranger.  His  manly  generosity  touched 


72  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

her  soul,  and  she  felt  that  to  trust  her  life  to  such  a  one 
would  be  like  confiding  in  the  gods  themselves.  How- 
ever, being  in  a  public  restaurant  and  unaccustomed  to 
such  places,  she  was  diffident  and  instead  of  replying, 
whispered  something  to  her  grandfather,  who,  nodding 
to  her,  thus  addressed  the  samurai  : 

"  Honorable  sir,  I  desire  to  make  a  little  explanation. 
I  have  long  been  annoyed  by  those  men,  who  had 
made  up  their  minds  to  deprive  me  of  my  grand- 
daughter, so  I  determined  to  retire  to  Golden -shore 
out  of  their  way.  Now,  thanks  to  your  kindness  in 
getting  rid  of  them,  all  my  plans  are  in  confusion. 
May  I  ask  where  you  reside  ?  " 

The  ronin's  face  flushed  slightly,  as  he  evasively 
replied  : 

"  Honorable  sir,  I  am  bound  for  Original-place 
(the  district  in  which  Sir-Kira  resided).  Why  do  you 
enquire  ?  " 

"  Because  I  desire  to  return  your  kindness,"  whis- 
pered Mr.  Left-gate-keeper.  "  This  is  no  place  for 
conversation  and  I — I — I  was  about  to  say — " 

Instead  of  completing  his  speech  he  paused  and 
glanced  downward  with  a  puzzled  air,  on  which  the 
young  lady  sighed  and  said  : 

'  Would  it  were  possible  always  to  remain  in  the 
place  of  one's  birth." 

Sir  Shell,  comprehending  her  meaning,  urged  her 
relative  to  return  to  the  city,  to  which  the  old  man 
agreed. 


What  Occurred  at  the  Restaurant.  73 

This  decision  so  delighted  Miss  Home  that,  forget- 
ting her  bashfulness,  she  exclaimed  : 

"  Oh !  great  happiness,  then  we  shall  travel  the  same 
road  as  this  gentleman.  Our  home  is  in  the  district  of 
Original-place," 

Such  incidents  as  these  teach  us  the  mysterious  ways 
and  workings  of  the  gods  who  preside  over  the  tying 
of  the  thread  of  love. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

THE    OLD,   OLD   STORY. 

"  Who  can  oppose  the  will  of  the  god  of  Izumo  (fate).  Even 
the  great  warrior  is  conquered  by  love." 

Sir  Shell,  Mr.  Left-gate-keeper  and  Miss  Home 
quitted  the  restaurant  together  and  the  young  people 
were  so  delighted  with  each  other's  society,  that  the 
distance  between  the  Temple-grounds  and  Original- 
place  appeared  but  a  few  paces. 

By  the  time  they  reached  Buddha-river  Street  the 
sun  had  sunk  below  the  horizon  and  the  shadows  of 
the  evening  were  gathering  over  the  city. 

Mr.  Left-gate-keeper  called  upon  his  landlord,  who 
dwelt  near  by,  and  after  paying  the  arrears  of  rent,  re- 
ceived a  new  lease  of  his  old  home,  whereupon  he 
invited  Sir  Shell  to  enter  it  and  partake  of  a  cup  of 
saki.  How  simple  are  the  ways  of  the  poor ! 

It  was  too  late  for  Sir  Shell  to  call  upon  his  friend, 
Sir  Unconquerable,  who  wished  to  consult  him  with  re- 
gard to  a  despatch  received  from  Sir  Big-rock,  so  ac- 
cepting the  pressing  invitations  of  Miss  Home  and  her 

74 


The  Old,   Old  Story.  ;5 

grandparent,  he  remained  as  their  guest,  fully  intend- 
ing to  leave  early  the  next  morning. 

At  daybreak  he  drew  aside  the  paper-screen  and 
glanced  out,  when  he  saw  the  rain  descending  in  a 
perfect  deluge  from  the  leaden  sky.  The  down-pour 
continued,  finding  which  he  made  it  an  excuse  and 
spent  the  whole  day  listening  to  the  charming  voice  of 
Miss  Home,  who  delighted  him  with  songs  and  her 
spirited  performance  upon  the  guitar. 

While  the  young  lady  was  preparing  the  evening 
meal  he  looked  round  the  house  and  noticed  the 
poverty-stricken  appearance  of  the  apartments,  it  being 
plain  enough  to  him  that  the  inmates  would  be  at  a  loss 
to  procure  even  the  next  day's  rice.  He  entered  the 
kitchen,  took  two  rio  from  his  purse,  presented  them 
to  Miss  Home  and  said  : 

"  This  is  a  very  small  amount  but  I  pray  you  to  accept 
it  and  expend  the  money  in  purchasing  some  delicacies 
for  your  venerable  grandfather.  He  has  few  years  to 
live  and  it  is  every  one's  duty  to  make  him  happy." 

As  he  was  speaking  Mr.  Left-gate-keeper  came 
from  an  adjoining  room  and,  bowing  low,  said  : 

"  Those  who  remember  the  aged  will  themselves 
attain  the  honorable  years." 

This  remark  pleased  Sir  Shell,  and  after  they  had 
chatted  for  awhile,  he  said  : 

"  Pardon  the  question  I  am  about  to  ask.  Have  you 
any  occupation  ?  If  one  lives  without  earning,  even  a 
mountain-high  fortune  will  soon  be  spent." 


76  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

The  old  man  and  young  maiden  felt  sorely  ashamed ; 
however,  she,  innocent  of  hypocrisy,  frankly  informed 
him  her  relative  had  peddled  candies  in  the  streets 
and  she  had  earned  something  by  assisting  her  music 
teacher. 

"  What  you  received  could  hardly  pay  for  your 
necessaries,"  said  Sir  Shell,  and  leading  the  old  man 
aside  he  whispered  to  him.  "  It  seems  to  me  the 
young  lady  is  of  an  age  to  be  married  ;  when  that 
takes  place  you  will  have  some  one  to  support  you 
comfortably." 

"  That  is  very  true,"  answered  Mr.  Left-gate-keeper. 
"  But  we  are  exceedingly  poor  ;  in  addition  to  this  we 
were  once  samurai  in  the  service  of  the  Lord  of  Ako 
who  recently  met  such  an  untimely  fate.  With  his 
death  ended  the  life-long  hope  of  my  late  son  that,  at 
some  future  day,  one  of  his  descendants  might  be  per- 
•  mitted  to  return  to  the  service  in  which  he  had  him- 
self been  employed.  My  only  wish  now  is,  my  grand- 
daughter may  be  married  to  a  samurai" 

His  strange  speech  quite  startled  Sir  Shell,  who  was 
so  deeply  impressed  by  it  that  he  spent  the  next  day 
in  talking  over  the  misfortunes  of  their  late  lord, 
the  recital  greatly  agitating  the  old  man  and  making 
him  very  unhappy. 

Before  day-break  on  the  following  morning,  Miss 
Home  knocked  at  the  door  of  Sir  Shell's  apartment 
and  said  in  a  troubled  voice  : 

"  I  pray  you  come  to  my  grandfather.     He  has  been 


The   Old,   Old&ory.  77 

seized  with  a  fit.     I    heard   him  moaning  and  upon 

going     to     his    aid     discovered     he     was     speech- 

i       " 
less. 

The  ronin  arose  and  accompanied  her  to  the  miser- 
able apartment,  on  the  floor  of  which  lay  Mr.  Left- 
gate-keeper,  whose  features  were  ashy  with  the  pallor 
of  death. 

He  glanced  up  at  the  young  man,  then,  closing  his 
eyes,  gave  a  gentle  sigh,  and  the  thread  of  his  exist- 
ence was  snapped  in  twain. 

Sir  Shell  and  the  young  lady  knelt  by  the  body  until 
the  morning  light  illuminated  the  placid  face  of  the 
dead,  when  Miss  Home  summoned  the  neighbors,  to 
whom  she  sorrowfully  communicated  her  bereavement. 

In  a  short  time  the  corpse  was  prepared  for  burial, 
and  as  the  smoke  of  the  burning  incense  circled  about 
the  apartment,  the  poor  girl  knelt  and  wept — the 
women  present  uniting  their  lamentations  with  hers 
and  exclaiming : 

"  Alas  !  alas !  the  venerable  man  is  no  more." 

Sir  Shell,  who  looked  on  sorrowfully,  could  not  find 
it  in  his  heart  to  abandon  Miss  Home  in  her  hour  of 
trouble,  and  the  landlord,  who  took  a  fatherly  interest 
in  the  orphan,  patted  heron  the  shoulder  and  whispered 
words  of  consolation. 

Now  her  relative  was  dead  all  seemed  to  look  upon 
Sir  Shell  as  her  guardian  or  brother. 

The  young  man  gave  full  scope  to  his  generosity 
and  not  only  saw  the  dead  properly  buried,  but  pro- 


78  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

vided  the  neighbors  with  funeral  gifts,  in  fact,  treated 
them  with  so  much  respect  and  attention  that  they 
would  not  permit  him  to  depart  for  three  or  four  days. 

On  the  fifth  morning  he  informed  Miss  Home  he 
must  start  early  on  the  following  day,  after  which,  he 
busied  himself  with  certain  transactions,  which  through 
the  helplessness  of  the  young  girl,  devolved  upon 
him. 

As  the  shades  of  evening  deepened  and  the  hum  of 
the  city  grew  faint,  Miss  Home  sat  in  the  veranda  and 
watched  the  fire-flies  flitting  through  the  tall  grass. 
These,  as  they  came  and  went,  seemed  to  her  like  the 
spirits  of  her  departed  friends.  Her  thoughts  were 
full  of  sadness  and  her  tears  flowed  freely.  A  few 
months  before  she  had  lost  her  father  ;  now  her  grand- 
parent and  only  relative  was  gone,  her  future  was 
full  of  uncertainty  ;  how  could  she  support  herself? 
The  man  to  whom  she  had  in  secret  given  her  heart, 
was  indeed  kind,  but  his  was  the  devotion  of  a  brother. 
During  their  five  days  of  almost  constant  companion- 
ship no  word  had  fallen  from  his  lips  which  she  could 
interpret  otherwise  than  as  the  utterance  of  pure  friend- 
ship. If  she  allowed  that  opportunity  to  pass  with- 
out letting  him  know  the  state  of  her  heart,  he  might 
never  learn  the  truth.  She  had  heard  the  neighbors 
whisper : 

"  In  the  midst  of  her  affliction  Miss  Home  has  found 
happiness.  She  is  really  to  be  envied.  She  and  Sir 
Shell  will  make  a  handsome  couple." 


The  Old,   Old  Story.  79 

These  reflections  inspired  her  with  both  joy  and  sor- 
row. Joy  that  any  one  should  think  she  had  found 
favor  in  the  eyes  of  him  whom  she  so  loved,  and  sorrow 
for  fear  he  merely  pitied  her  and  that  congratulations 
might  be  turned  to  sneers. 

She  made  up  her  mind  if  he  went  away  without 
expressing  affection  for  her,  to  follow  her  grandfather. 

Thus  thinking,  she  hid  her  face  in  the  sleeves  of  her 
garment  and  sobbed  bitterly.  Her  grief  quickly  at- 
tracted the  attention  of  Sir  Shell,  who,  coming  to  her 
assistance,  tenderly  conducted  her  indoors,  placed 
her  :  by  the  fire-bowl  and,  seating  himself  near  by, 
said  : 

"  My  dear  Miss  Home,  what  is  troubling  you  ?  You 
must  not  grieve  so  much  for  the  loss  of  your  relative. 
The  gods  are  good  and,  though  they  do  not  restore 
our  friends,  give  us  new  ones." 

The  agitated  girl  sobbed  on  and,  glancing  downward, 
replied  : 

"  When  you  are  gone,  who  will  be  left  to  care  for 
me?" 

She  paused  and  not  a  sound  was  heard  but  the  beat- 
ing of  their  hearts. 

Presently  some  crows,  roosting  in  the  trees  surround- 
ing the  dwelling,  began  to  cry  to  the  moon,  hearing 
which  Sir  Shell  said  : 

"  The  bird  of  love  makes  me  feel  bold.  Dear  and 
beautiful  Miss  Home,  I  would  wish  ever  to  be  near 
you.  Can  you  look  with  favor  upon  an  unfortunate 
ronin  f  " 


So  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

Her  reply  was  drowned  by  the  voices  of  the  bird?, 
while  the  moon,  peeping  through  the  open  window, 
revealed  the  beautiful  scene.  She  knelt  with  her  head 
bent,  hiding  her  blushing  face  and  exhibiting  only  her 
snow-white  neck,  with  her  taper  fingers  interlaced  on 
her  lap,  looking  more  charming  than  the  half-opened 
bud  of  a  chrysanthemum. 

"  Sir  Shell — Sir  Shell — will  your  loyalty  prove 
greater  than  your  love  for  your  dainty  bride  ?  " 


CHAPTER  XII. 

SIR    KIRA. 


"  He  who  has  committed  a  great  wrong  hears  in  the  scampering 

of  a  mouse  the  footsteps  of  the  avenger. 
No  sound  alarms  the  placid  soul  of  the  well-doer. 


This  accurately  describes  the  feelings  ot  Sir  Kira, 
who,  dreading  the  vengeance  of  the  loyal  ronin,  hid 
himself  in  his  private  apartments  and,  like  a  bat,  only 
went  out  at  night. 

A  more  miserable  existence  could  scarcely  be  im- 
agined— his  enormous  wealth  yielded  him  no  happi- 
ness, his  suspicious  soul  feared  a  traitoress  in  each  of 
his  beautiful  attendants,  he  trusted  no  one  but  his 
chief-councillor,  Sir  Small-grove,  and  while  waiting  for 
the  just  retribution  he  knew  must  sooner  or  later  follow 
his  crime,  died  a  thousand  deaths.  His  residence  was 
guarded  not  only  by  his  own  retainers,  but  by  a  body 
of  men  belonging  to  his  son,  Lord  Uyesugi,  spite  of 
which  he  would  start  at  the  slightest  noise  and  worry 

81 


82  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

his  people  by  complaining  of  their  negligence  and  dis- 
regard for  his  safety. 

Instead  of  feeling  regret  he  took  comfort  in  the  fact 
that  Lord  Morning-field  was  dead.  He  spent  his  days 
in  sending  out  spies  to  watch  the  man  whom  he  most 
feared,  Sir  Big-rock,  and  in  consulting  with  his  friends 
how  to  bring  his  political  influence  to  bear  against  the 
scattered  members  of  the  clan  of  Ako.  His  bitter 
hatred  extended  even  to  the  innocent  widow,  Lady 
Pure-gem,  whom  he  surrounded  with  detectives  and 
watched  as  a  tiger  does  his  prey. 

When  the  autumnal  flowers  were  blooming  in  the 
gardens  of  his  residence,  a  messenger  arrived  post- 
haste from  Kioto,  on  hearing  which  Sir  Kira  directed 
his  attendants  to  conduct  the  man  to  his  presence 
and  thus  addressed  him  : 

"  I  hope  you  have  brought  me  good  news  ?  " 

The  kneeling  retainer  raised  his  head  and  murmured: 

"  My  lord,  the  information  I  have  is  for  your  ear 
alone." 

Sir  Kira  motioned  his  servants  to  retire  and  bid- 
ding the  messenger  approach  close  to  him,  said  : 

"  Now  speak." 

"  My  lord,  your  instructions  have  been  fully  carried 
out.  My  wife,  Convolvulus,  is  installed  in  the  house 
of  Big-rock  as  an  attendant  upon  his  children,  my 
brother  is  in  his  employ  as  gate-keeper,  and  five  of 
your  loyal  retainers  are  Hying  within  bow-shot  of  his 
dwelling." 


Sir  Kir  a.  83 

"  Yes,  yes ! "  impatiently  remarked  Sir  Kira. 
"  What  is  the  news  ?  " 

"  My  lord,  I  have  learned  this  much.  A  week  be- 
fore I  left  Kioto,  Big-rock  received  a  communication 
from  the  Council  of  Elders.  Their  letter  evidently 
caused  him  great  annoyance.  I,  therefore,  instructed 
my  wife  to  ascertain  its  contents.  This  proved  a  very 
difficult  matter ;  however,  by  dint  of  using  caution,  she 
succeeded  in  getting  a  sight  of  the  document." 

"  Well,  well !  "  testily  exclaimed  Sir  Kira.  "  What 
was  in  it  ?  " 

"  The  council  neither  granted  nor  denied  the  prayer 
of  the  petitioners  for  the  restoration  of  the  clan,  and 
at  the  same  time  gave  Big-rock  plainly  to  understand 
if  he  made  any  attempt  to  avenge  the  death  of  his 
lord,  both  he  and  whoever  joined  him  would  expe- 
rience the  full  power  of  the  law.  That  night  he  went 
to  the  house  of  Hatchet,  where  he  met  a  number  of 
other  ronin.  The  notification  from  the  council  was  evi- 
dently a  death-blow  to  their  hopes.  They  emptied  many 
bottles  of  saki  and  sent  to  a  neighboring  restaurant 
for  refreshments.  I  was  hanging  round  the  spot,  and 
bribed  one  of  the  waiters  to  let  me  take  his  place,  and 
thus  obtained  admission  to  the  house.  Said  Big-rock  : 
'  This  news  is  a  skull-cracker.  I  have  made  up  my 
mind  what  to  do.  The  honorable  Sir  Kira  has  the 
best  of  the  game.  It  is  useless  for  us  to  worry  about 
reestablishing  the  clan.  Each  must  look  out  for 
himself.  As  for  me,  for  many  years  I  have  worked 


84  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

hard,  so,  in  future,  intend  to  enjoy  my  life.  What  say 
you,  Hatchet? ' 

"The  poet  replied  very  indignantly,  and  the  other 
ronin  joined  him,  whereupon  Big-rock  took  the  bottle, 
and  filling  a  cup,  remarked  :  '  Saki  is  the  medicine  for 
all  diseases.' 

"The  next  day  Big-rock  was  drunk,  and  he  has  not 
since  been  sober.  Now,  my  lord,  have  no  apprehen- 
sion. Without  their  leader  the  clansmen  can  do  noth- 
ing ;  they  will  be  like  a  flock  of  geese  that  has  lost  its 
pilot." 

Sir  Kira  thought  for  a  while,  then  summoning  Sir 
Small-grove,  bade  the  man  repeat  the  story,  after 
which  he  said  : 

"  What  think  you,  Sir  Councillor  ?  " 

"  My  lord,  this  news  astounds  me.  We  must  con- 
tinue to  watch  our  enemy." 

"  Yes,  we  will  not  relax  our  vigilance.  Let  the  mes- 
senger return  and  take  with  him  some  young  men  in 
my  service,  whom  you  will  instruct  to  follow  Big-rock 
closely,  and,  if  possible,  engage  him  in  a  quarrel  that 
will  result  in  his  no  longer  being  able  to  trouble  us." 

The  next  day  a  number  of  Sir  Kira's  retainers  started 
for  Kioto,  and,  from  that  time,  Sir  Big-rock  was  sur- 
rounded by  an  army  of  spies,  who  reported  everything 
he  did  to  their  anxious  employer. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

SIR  BIG-ROCK  DIVORCES   HIMSELF. 

"  The  hunted  badger  shams  death. 

"  With  an  unscrupulous  enemy,  even  a  nobleman  has  to  resort 
to  trickery." 

Sir  Big-rock,  having  always  been  lamous  for  his  vir- 
tues, astonished  the  world  when  he  gave  himself  up  to 
drunkenness  and  dissipation,  yet,  though  his  neighbors 
shook  their  heads  and  secretly  condemned  his  conduct, 
his  good  wife  uttered  no  word  of  reproach,  and  neither 
by  look  nor  action  showed  her  sorrow  and  amaze- 
ment. 

One  morning  in  December,  after  he  had  been  absent 
from  home  all  night,  she  saw  him  staggering  up  the 
pathway,  noticing  which  she  hurriedly  sent  her  two 
little  children  into  her  private  apartment,  being  anxious 
they  should  not  see  their  father  in  such  a  disgraceful 
state. 

Sir  Big-rock  entered  the  house  with  his  clogs  on, 
and  sinking  upon  the  floor,  said  to  her  : 

"  I  want  some  sakd." 

85 


86  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

She  replied  as  though  he  had  treated  her  with  the 
greatest  politeness,  and  bringing  him  a  cup  of  the  best, 
knelt  by  his  side  and  presented  the  liquor,  saying  : 

"  My  honorable  husband,  you  are  fatigued  Shall  I 
prepare  a  bed  for  you  ?  " 

He  took  a  sip  of  the  liquid,  and  throwing  the  rest 
upon  the  matted  floor,  drowsily  answered  : 

"  Is  that  the  sort  of  stuff  you  give  me  ?  " 

"  My  dear  husband,  it  is  the  finest  sak£  in  Kioto. 
You  are  tired  with  your  journey  and  everything  tastes 
badly !" 

"  Journey,  journey  ?  I  have  only  been  to  the  tea- 
house on  Gi-on  Street." 

Just  then  some  of  the  servants  entered,  seeing  whom 
the  lady  said  in  a  low  tone  : 

"  Do  not  disturb  your  master,  he  is  not  well.  Fetch 
a  pillow  for  his  head." 

Sir  Big-rock,  who  appeared  to  fall  into  a  deep  sleep, 
permitted  them  to  arrange  a  bed  for  him,  after  which 
his  wife  knelt  by  his  side,  fearing  his  head  would  slip 
from  its  support  and  that  he  would  lie  uncomfortably. 
As  she  watched  him,  she  unconsciously  gave  vent  to 
her  thoughts,  little  imagining  he  heard  what  she  said. 

"  I  am  an  unhappy  woman.  Evidently  I  have  been 
remiss  in  my  duty,  else  why  does  my  husband  turn 
from  me  and  seek  the  society  of  others.  Alas  !  alas ! 
I  fear  the  death  of  our  lord  has  disturbed  the  beautiful 
balance  of  Sir  Big-rock's  mind.  He,  who  used  to  be 
so  just,  so  kind  and  thoughtful,  has  of  late  strangely 


Sir  Big-rock  Divorces  Himself.  87 

found  fault  and  blamed  me  lor  what  I  have  not  done. 
Still  I  think  I  must  have  been  negligent  in  some  way, 
though  I  cannot  remember  in  what.  When  he  sobers 
I  will  respectfully  ask  him  how  I  have  offended,  as  I 
can  no  longer  bear  this  terrible  agony.  Better  die 
than  incur  the  displeasure  of  my  husband.  I  will  leave 
him  and  see  that  his  bath  is  ready.  Ah  me !  the 
happy  days  of  the  past  when  he  thought  his  wife  was 
without  fault." 

The  poor  lady  conquered  her  sobs,  and  drying  her 
eyes,  softly  retired,  as  she  did  so,  regarding  the  sleep- 
ing man  with  the  utmost  tenderness. 

When  she  was  well  out  of  hearing,  Sir  Big-rock 
arose  with  no  trace  of  intoxication  in  his  manner,  but 
with  features  expressive  of  the  deepest  agitation. 

"  Ye  gods !  "  he  moaned.  "  How  faithful  she  is !  I 
cannot  bear  this !  " 

As  he  spoke  the  tears  trickled  down  his  cheeks. 

"  She  is  a  model  of  a  wife.  Instead  of  blaming  me 
for  what  would  appear  to  be  a  crime  on  my  part,  she 
invents  thousands  of  excuses  for  my  conduct  and  takes 
upon  herself  all  the  odium.  I  will  end  this  at  once. 
She  shall  not  witness  the  scenes  I  must  enact  in  order  to 
carry  out  my  plan  of  deceiving  Sir  Kira.  Then  again 
my  little  children  shall  not  remember  me  as  a  drunken 
sot.  I  will  put  her  away  ;  yet  how  can  I  do  it  ?  " 

This  brave,  strong  man  paced  the  floor,  grasped  his 
arms  and  clenched  his  teeth  in  his  agony.  Wise  as  he 
was,  he  had,  in  undertaking  to  play  the  role  of  a  disso- 


88  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

lute  man,  forgotten  how  impossible  it  would  be  to 
overcome  the  devotion  of  his  wife.  The  only  thing 
left  to  him  was  to  give  her  a  letter  of  divorce  and  send 
her,  with  their  younger  offspring,  to  his  father-in-law, 
who  he  knew  would  understand  the  true  reason  for 
his  act  and  afford  her  comfort  and  advice. 

Presently  he  heard  the  sound  of  his  children's  voi- 
ces, and  his  wife  saying  in  a  low  tone  : 

"  Do  not  make  a  noise,  my  little  ones.  Papa  is  not 
well,  you  will  disturb  him." 

"  Has  he  got  that  funny  sickness  again  ?  "  demand- 
ed the  elder  boy. 

"  Hush !  hush !  "  said  the  mother.  "  Papa  has  many 
troubles  and  you  must  not  speak  thus." 

The  unhappy  man  thought  of  his  duty  to  his  dead 
lord,  and,  steeling  himself  against  all  else,  returned  to 
his  bed  and  once  more  pretended  to  slumber. 

About  noon  his  wife  entered  and  kneeling  beside 
him,  waited  until  he  opened  his  eyes,  when  she 
said : 

"  Honorable  husband,  your  bath  is  ready." 

"  Bath  ?  "  he  exclaimed,  rising  and  taking  a  flageolet 
from  its  rest.  "  I  am  going  out." 

He  moved  in  the  direction  of  the  door,  seeing 
which  she  picked  up  his  ronin  hat  and  kneeling  pre- 
sented it  to  him,  saying  : 

"  Honorable  husband,  I  pray  you  to  put  this  on. 
You  have  enemies  about." 

Sir  Big-rock  turned  toward  her  and  said  : 


Sir  Big -rock  Divorces  Himself.  89 

"  Enough.  You  talk  too  much.  I  shall  give  you  a 
letter  of  divorce  and  you  must  go  back  to  your  father. 
I  will,  however,  if  you  wish,  grant  you  permission  to 
take  charge  of  our  two  younger  children.  My  ser- 
vant Happy-seven  will  accompany  you." 

Ere  she  could  reply  he  had  put  on  the  hat  and  was 
staggering  down  the  pathway,  leaving  her  gazing  after 
him  like  one  just  awakened  from  a  dream. 

When  the  neighbors  heard  the  news  and  saw  her 
and  the  little  ones  depart,  they  whispered  to  one  an- 
other : 

"  Sir  Big-rock  must  be  crazy.  In  addition  to  wast- 
ing his  substance  in  tea-houses,  he  now  puts  away  his 
model  of  a  wife,  and  gives  up  the  guardianship  of  his 
children.  How  strange  are  the  ways  of  some  men  i 
He  has  soon  forgotten  the  goodness  of  his  lord." 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

THE   STORY  OF  DOCTOR  BUTTERFLY-COTTAGE. 

"Some  soldiers  accomplish  great  military  deeds  while  running 

away  from  the  enemy. 

The  ignorant  attempts  of   quacks  occasionally  result  in  good 
consequences." 

No  one  is  more  to  be  pitied  than  he  who  places  his 
life  in  the  hands  of  a  quack.  Unfortunately  many 
such  foolish  persons  exist,  because,  throughout  all 
ages,  people  have  been  more  inclined  to  listen  to 
rogues  than  to  follow  the  advice  of  honest  men. 
Must  we  not  be  cautious  ? 

There  are  many  mock-doctors  to  be  found  every- 
where. These  fellows,  utterly  ignorant  of  the  science 
of  medicine,  which  the  ancients  so  closely  studied  and 
reduced  to  a  system,  pretend  to  cure  diseases  of  which 
they  do  not  even  know  the  names,  and  entrapping 
their  victims  by  a  great  show  of  books  and  scientific 
instruments,  by  threats  and  deceit,  compel  them  to 
swallow  the  most  nauseating  compounds. 

If,  once  in  a  while,  they  make  a  hit,  the  whole  coun- 

90 


The  Story  of  Doctor  Butterfly -cottage.  9 1 

try  rings  with  their  praise,  and   they  walk   the  earth 
with  their  heads  in  the  clouds. 

The  ancient  professors  of  medicine  established  cer- 
tain rules  which  are  followed  to  this  day.  They  first 
ascertained  the  comparative  value  of  drugs,  then  mixed 
them  in  specified  proportions,  taking  care  that  the  ef- 
fects of  one  ingredient  should  counterbalance  the 
others,  and  thus  produce  a  harmonious  result.  A  pa- 
tient suffering  from  fever  requires  medicines  contain- 
ing in  (cold)  properties,  and  one  shivering  with  a  chill 
should  be  dosed  with  yo  (hot)  drugs,  to  equalize  the 
temperature  of  the  system.  However,  a  person  af- 
flicted with  fever  must  not  take  only  cold-producing 
physic,  or  the  one  who  has  a  chill  be  treated  with 
drugs  that  merely  create  heat.  A  skilful  physician 
gives  certain  quantities  of  each  remedy, "in  addition  to 
which  he  uses  acupuncture  and  the  moxa.  In  the 
foregoing  consists  the  science  of  medicine,  which  is 
only  acquired  by  long  study  and  serving  a  number  of 
years  as  assistant  to  a  regular  practitioner.  Some 
drugs  ought  to  be  administered  in  their  natural  state, 
others  require  careful  preparation,  or  their  effects  prove 
very  injurious  to  the  patient.  Now  a  quack,  not  having 
studied  these  principles,  blindly  administers  his  nos- 
trums, trusting  to  the  god  of  luck  to  carry  him  through. 
If  his  patient  dies,  he  solemnly  shakes  his  shaven  head 
and  says  to  the  weeping  relatives  : 

"  I  was  sure  of  this  from  the  beginning." 

Beware  of  quacks !  they  live  upon  the  weakness  of 


92  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

human  nature  and  may  be  known  by  the  long  pole  of 
their  norimono  (enclosed  litter),  their  assumption 
of  profound  gravity,  and  the  audacious  manner  in 
which  they  promise  to  cure  most  incurable  diseases. 
At  the  same  time  they  take  care  never  to  approach  a 
person  suffering  from  a  contagious  malady  without 
having  their  sleeves  stuffed  with  disinfectants,  while 
their  meanness  is  such  they  will  keep  their  bearers 
walking  all  day,  never  so  much  as  thinking  to  give  the 
tired  men  a  lunch  or  a  cup  of  sak£.  There  is  another 
kind  of  quack  who  is  too  parsimonious  to  have  a  nori- 
mono or  even  a  man  to  carry  his  medicine-case. 
These  scarecrows  trot  round  the  streets,  from  morning 
till  night,  with  their  pockets  puffed  out  with  packages 
of  nostrums,  and  slip  through  the  crowds,  like  eels  be- 
tween the  rush*es,  as  though  in  great  haste  to  visit  in- 
numerable patients.  Such  creatures  are  well  described 
by  the  proverb : 

"  A  quack  looks  like  a  man  who  has  stolen  a  cat 
and  hidden  it  in  his  pocket." 

My  friends,  if  you  wish  to  live,  keep  away  from  the 
doctors,  though,  in  giving  this  advice,  I  do  not  mean 
to  assert  there  are  no  able  physicians.  These,  like  all 
good  people,  follow  their  profession  quietly,  and  after 
performing  a  cure,  do  not  go  clucking  about  like  hens. 

On  Gold-mountain  Street  in  the  city  of  Yedo,  lived 
a  physician  named  Butterfly-cottage,  whose  establish- 
ment presented  an  imposing  appearance.  In  front,  was 
a  magnificent  lodge,  occupied  by  a  porter  in  livery  who 


The  snow  was  falling  lightly,  and  he  protected  his  shaven 

head  with  a  paper  umbrella, 
(hap.  »iv,  p.  93. 


The  Story  of  Doctor  Butterfly -cottage.          93 

answered  all  inquiries,  and,  by  his  important  air,  added 
greatly  to  the  respectability  of  his  master.  Once  in- 
side the  yard  the  visitor  noticed  a  tablet,  inscribed  as 
follows : 

"  Those  who  require  to  be  examined  are  requested 
to  come  before  the  hour  of  the  Snake  (10  A.  M.),  not 
later. 

"  We  refuse  to  visit  patients  living  any  great  dis- 
tance from  our  residence." 

This  was  intended  to  impress  his  clients  with  an 
idea  that  he  had  more  business  than  he  could  attend 
to. 

Thus  lived  Dr.  Butterfly-cottage,  physician  to  Sir 
Kira,  who  was,  in  his  day,  the  greatest  quack  in  the 
metropolis. 

One  morning  in  February,  1700,  this  worthy  ap- 
proached the  rear  gate  of  his  house,  carrying  in  his 
hand  a  horse-mackerel,  wrapped  about  with  rushes. 
The  snow  was  falling  lightly  and  he  protected  his  shaven 
head  with  a  paper  umbrella,  while  his  feet  were  kept 
from  the  wet  by  high  clogs.  Under  ordinary  circum- 
stances the  doctor  would  not  have  been  seen  bearing 
his  own  dinner ;  however,  his  old  bohemian  taste 
sometimes  returned  and  led  him  to  do  things  incom- 
patible with  his  new  dignity.  He  was  the  brother  of 
the  cowardly  renegade,  Sir  Arrow-stand,  and,  like  him, 
crafty,  treacherous  and  over-reaching.  When  quite  a 
young  man  he  had  behaved  so  badly  that  he  incurred 
the  disfavor  of  the  Lord  of  Ako,  who,  notwithstanding 


94  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

Sir  Arrow-stand's  pleading,  banished  him  from  the 
Province  of  Harima.  Being  but  imperfectly  educated, 
he  was  at  his  wits'  end  how  to  obtain  a  living,  and  for 
some  years  wandered  aimlessly  about  the  country,  fin- 
ally drifting  to  Yedo  where  he  established  himself  as  a 
go-between  in  marriages,  and  real-estate  agent.  By- 
and-by,  he  contrived  to  creep  into  the  good  graces  of 
Sir  Kira,  whom  he  cured  of  a  trifling,  though  painful 
ailment.  After  accomplishing  this  feat  he  set  up  as  a 
physician,  and  by  dint  of  making  great  display,  and 
through  the  influence  of  his  patron,  soon  became  well 
known.  His  library  was  the  talk  of  the  neighborhood, 
his  collection  of  medical  appliances  was  mysterious 
and  appalling,  and  his  furniture  and  ornaments  were 
unique  and  elegant,  notwithstanding  which  he  could 
neither  read  nor  write.  His  only  stock  in  trade  was 
his  ready  wit  and  a  thorough  knowledge  of  human 
nature. 

As  he  entered  the  house  he  handed  his  burden  to 
his  kneeling  servant,  saying  : 

"  Tell  the  cook  to  prepare  that  for  my  mid-day 
meal.  I  wish  it  stewed  with  leeks.  Bring  me  a  cup 
of  hot  sake,  I  feel  the  cold  principle  predominating  in 
my  body." 

The  man  hastened  to  obey,  and  the  doctor,  after 
casting  aside  his  heavy  outer  garment  and  unwinding 
the  white  silk  wrap  from  about  his  throat,  crouched  over 
the  hibachi  (fire  box),  and  warmed  his  chilled  fingers. 

The  attendant  soon  returned  with  the  tray  on  which 


The  Story  of  Doctor  Butterfly-cottage.         g5 

were  a  kettle  of  hot  sak£  and  a  cup.     Kneeling  by  his 
master  he  served  him,  saying  : 

"  There  is  a  man  from  the  Blue-hill  district  waiting 

O 

to  see  you." 

"  He  is  early,"  said  the  doctor,  holding  out  his  cup 
for  more  sake".  "  Tell  him  I  am  very  busy  studying  a 
case  and  will  see  him  presently.  I  must  smoke  a  few 
pipes  before  I  can  receive  patients.  People  should 
not  expect  a  doctor  to  wait  on  them  at  once  like  a 
store-keeper." 

After  he  had  refreshed  himself  and  taken  a  bath,  the 
visitor  was  ushered  into  his  presence.  The  new-comer 
was  dressed  in  the  costume  of  a  merchant  in  easy  cir- 
cumstances, and  had  a  simple,  polite  manner  which  fav- 
orably impressed  the  doctor,  who,  responding  to  his 
salutation,  blandly  observed  : 

"  You  are  the  gentleman  from  the  Blue-hill  district, 
are  you  not  ? " 

"  I  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  for  the  first 
time,"  said  the  man.  "  I  am  from  the  place  you  name, 
and  have  come  to  consult  you  concerning  a  relative  of 
mine,  who  is  employed  in  an  apothecary  store  on  Main 
Street.  Of  late,  he  has  been  much  disturbed  in  his 
mind,  and  talks  the  wildest  nonsense.  I  would  like 
you  to  prescribe  for  him.  Your  fame  has  been  noised 
all  over  the  city." 

Dr.  Butterfly-cottage  simpered  like  a  vain  woman 
who  is  complimented,  and  replied  : 

"  Under  ordinary  circumstances  I  could   not  take  a 


96  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

new  patient,  still  as  you   have  come  from  such  a   dis- 
tance, I  will  see  your  relative  ;  besides,  the  treatment 
of  crazy  people  is  my  specialty.     But  there  is  some- 
thing I  have  to  tell  every  new-comer.     Doctors  re- 
semble dried   fishes ;  you   cannot  know  their  quality 
by  looking  at  them.     Then  again,  you  remember  the 
saying,  '  the  pay  of  a  physician   is   like  the  cherry- 
blossoms  on  the  high  mountain,  it  cannot  be  reached ' 
(literally    demanded).      That    is  why   definite   prices 
have  been  fixed  for  certain  kinds  of  medicine.     We, 
of  our  honorable  profession,  being  prevented  from  de- 
manding  recompense  for   our  advice,  have  to  com- 
pensate ourselves  by  charging  for  drugs.     I   will  not 
be   strict  with   you    and   exact  payment  in  advance, 
though  I  must  have  an  understanding  concerning  my 
fees.     This  is  my  invariable  practice,  yet  I  find  it  does 
not    decrease   the    number  of  my  patients.     I    com- 
mence  mixing  early  in  the   morning  and   begin    my 
rounds  after  mid-day,  often  not  returning  until  late  at 
night.     My  great  reputation  and  large  practice  excite 
the  envy  and   hatred  of  all  my  brother   practitioners, 
who  maliciously  term  me  the    '  scavenger  doctor.'     Is 
it  not  ridiculous  ?     Now   you  understand  my  way  of 
doing   business.     If  you  wish   to  engage  me  I  am  at 
your   service." 

His  visitor  bowed  low  and  replied  : 

"  Honorable  doctor,  if  you  will  undertake  my  rela- 
tive's case,  I  care  not  how  much  I  have  to  pay  you. 
I  am  even  ready  to  give  a  sum  in  advance,  only  I 
must  first  be  assured  you  can  cure  him." 


The  Story  of  Doctor  Butterfly-cottage.          97 

"  Cure  him,  cure  him  !  "  ejaculated  the  quack,  clap- 
ping his  hands  together.  "  Honorable  sir,  I  always 
cure  my  patients.  The  illustrious  nobleman,  Sir  Kira, 
who  is  in  such  favor  with  the  Sho-gun,  calls  me  Doc- 
tor Never-fail.  When  I  have  clients  who  appreciate 
me,  I  do  my  best,  which  means  cure.  Tell  me  the 
symptoms  of  your  friend's  disease." 

"  Honorable  doctor,  he  is  crazy.  Imagines  all  man- 
ner of  things." 

"  Yes,  yes,"  patronizingly  interposed  the  other. 
"  Those  are  the  symptoms  described  in  the  ancient 
books  on  lunacy.  Of  course  he  thinks  himself  some- 
body else  and  believes  he  is  pursued  by  enemies  ?" 

"  Not  exactly,"  quietly  answered  the  man.  "  My 
relative's  illusion  is  a  very  peculiar  one.  He  is  con- 
tinually saying  :  '  I  would  like  to  have  the  money  for 
the  pearls.' ' 

"  Ah  !  I  will  soon  cure  him  of  that.  Suppose  we 
say  five  rio  for  my  attendance  and  medicine  during 
the  period  of  ten  days.  Will  that  be  satisfactory  to 
you  ?  " 

The  simple  one  bowed  and  murmured  : 

"  I  would  not  care  if  it  were  a  little  more." 

"  Well,  then,  give  me  six  rio" 

The  man  produced  his  purse,  and  handing  the  sum 
to  the  doctor,  remarked  : 

"  Honorable  sir,  I  will  bring  the  patient  early  to- 
morrow. Please  do  not  be  harsh  with  him.  Remem- 
ber he  will  say,  '  I  would  like  to  have  the  money 
for  the  pearls.' ' 


98  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

When  the  visitor  had  departed,  the  doctor  glee- 
fully polished  his  shaven  pate  with  his  right  hand,  and 
after  chuckling  awhile,  cried  : 

"Gracious  me!  that  customer  does  not  appear  to 
know  what  avariciousness  is.  Unless  I  add  some  new 
patients  to  my  list  I  shall  be  compelled  to  give  up  my 
norimono.  I  must  fill  the  gaps  caused  by  my  little 
mishaps.  I  have  earned  six  rio  of  his  money  and  will 
keep  him  paying  as  long  as  he  has  a  coin  in  his 
pouch." 

While  he  was  rejoicing,  the  clock  on  the  tokonoma 
struck  the  hour  of  the  Horse  (mid-day). 

The  next  morning  the  merchant  presented  himself 
at  a  celebrated  drug  store  on  Main  Street,  and  hand- 
ing a  letter  to  the  proprietor,  boldly  remarked  : 

"  Will  you  please  attend  to  this  matter  at  once  ?  " 

The  druggist  opened  the  communication,  and  after 
reading  it,  said : 

"  This  is  from  Dr.  Butterfly-cottage.  I  see  he  re- 
quires a  number  of  pearls  of  the  very  best  quality. 
One  of  my  people  shall  pick  them  out  and  take  them 
round  to  Gold-mountain  Street." 

"  I  will  wait  and  accompany  him,"  said  the  mes- 
senger. 

He  walked  around  the  place  as  though  it  belonged 
to  him,  and  after  the  clerk  had  the  pearls  ready,  ob- 
served : 

"  You  must  go  quickly.  The  doctor  is  anxiously 
awaiting  my  return." 


The  Story  of  Doctor  Butterfly-cottage.          99 

Upon  arriving  at  the  house,  the  merchant  stepped 
into  the  reception  room,  and  addressing  the  clerk,  who 
stood  respectfully  in  the  entrance,  said : 

"  Give  me  the  package  and  remain  here  until  you 
are  summoned.  The  doctor  wishes  to  send  some 
things  back  to  your  master." 

The  man  bowed,  but  when  the  merchant  turned  to 
enter  the  inner  apartment,  derisively  stuck  out  his 
tongue,  then  laughingly  exclaimed  : 

"  That  fellow,  although  he  looks  simple,  talks  very 
big !  I  suppose  he  thinks  because  he  is  in  the  service 
of  this  quack  he  has  a  right  to  put  on  airs." 

He  waited  in  the  ante-room  for  some  time,  the 
proprietor  of  the  house  being  unusually  busy  with  pa- 
tients. At  last  an  attendant  came  out  and  said  : 

"  Are  you  the  young  man  from  the  apothecary  on 
Main  Street  ? " 

"  Yes,  sir,  I  am." 

"  Then  follow  me." 

When  Dr.  Butterfly-cottage  saw  him,  he  enquired  : 

"  Well,  sir,  how  do  you  find  yourself  to-day  ?  " 

"  Quite  well,  doctor." 

"  Quite  well,  eh  ?  Come  into  my  private  office  and 
let  me  examine  you." 

The  clerk,  though  not  comprehending  his  meaning, 
did  as  he  was  requested.  To  his  amazement,  the  doc- 
tor felt  his  pulse,  saying  : 

"Ah!  I  knew  it,  the  hot  principle  predominates. 
Now  your  tongue  ?  " 


ioo  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

"What  do  you  mean,  doctor?  I  am  not  sick.  If 
the  pearls  are  satisfactory,  I  would  like  to  have  the 
money." 

"  All  right,  all  right,"  was  the  soothing  response. 
"  I  understand  your  case.  Now  loosen  your  girdle 
and  let  me  look  at  your  chest." 

"  I  shall  do  no  such  thing,  doctor.  I  would  like  the 
money  for  the  pearls." 

"  Don't  be  so  stubborn,  but  do  as  I  bid  you.  How 
can  I  prescribe  before  I  make  an  examination.  Where 
is  the  man  who  came  with  you  ?  " 

The  clerk  regarded  him  with  surprise, .  noticing 
which  the  servant  said  : 

"  Honorable  master,  if  you  mean  the  merchant  who 
called  yesterday,  I  saw  him  pass  out  of  the  rear  gate 
an  hour  ago." 

"  How  very  annoying,"  muttered  the  doctor. 
"  Come,  young  man,  be  reasonable  and  let  me  ex- 
amine you.  I  suppose  your  relative  has  returned  to 
his  home  in  the  Blue-hill  district." 

"  Will  you  give  me  the  money  for  the  pearls  ? " 
angrily  demanded  the  clerk.  "  I  have  no  relative  liv- 
ing in  the  Blue-hill  district.  The  man  who  accom- 
panied me  was  your  own  messenger.  I  would  like  to 
have  the  money  for  the  pearls." 

"  I  understand  your  saying  that.  It  is  one  of  your 
symptoms.  Now  loosen  your  girdle.  It  is  the  hard- 
est thing  in  the  world  to  manage  you  crazy  people." 

The    clerk,  provoked    at  being   termed  a  lunatic, 


The  Story  of  Doctor  Butterfly-cottage.         101 

placed  his  hands  upon  his  knees,  and,  making  a  mock 
obeisance,  cried  : 

"  Will  you  pay  me  for  those  pearls?  I  don't  care 
what  you  call  me,  as  long  as  you  hand  me  over  the 
money.  It  is  not  I  who  am  out  of  my  senses." 

"  Young  man,"  sternly  returned  the  doctor,  "'there 
is  no  end  to  your  tongue.  I  am  not  accustomed  to  be 
addressed  in  such  a  disrespectful  manner.  Cease  your 
clamor.  Your  demanding  payment  for  pearls  I  have 
never  received  is  calculated  to  throw  a  blemish  upon 
my  honorable  face.  Being  a  person  of  the  highest  re- 
spectability, I  can  afford  to  treat  such  a  charge  with  the 
contempt  it  deserves,  still  I  do  not  intend  you  shall 
rush  about  the  city  with  your  mouth  full  of  such  ac- 
cusations. I  will  have  you  secured  until  I  can  com- 
municate with  your  relative." 

Upon  hearing  this  the  clerk  produced  the  order 
from  his  bosom,  remarking  in  a  satirical  voice  : 

"  Will  you  deny  your  own  writing  ?  Here  is  a  note 
signed  by  yourself,  ordering  a  number  of  pearls  of  the 
best  quality.  Perhaps  this  is  a  symptom  of  my  sick- 
ness ?  " 

Doctor  Butterfly-cottage  took  the  letter,  which  he 
held  upside  down  and  regarded  with  blank  amaze- 
ment. 

"  Is  not  that  your  signature  ? "  cried  the  man.  "  Turn 
it  the  right  way  and  look  at  it." 

The  doctor  reversed  the  paper,  and  being  unwilling 
to  acknowledge  his  ignorance  of  reading  and  writing,, 
said,  in  a  bewildered  manner : 


IO2  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

"  Yes,  I  always  sign  my  orders  thus — though  I  do 
not  remember  issuing  this  one." 

"  At  last  we  are  beginning  to  arrive  at  an  under- 
standing," said  the  clerk.  "  Of  course,  as  that  docu- 
ment is  correct,  you  will  pay  me  for  the  pearls?  " 

A  few  moments  calm  talk  convinced  both  parties 
they  had  been  swindled  by  an  adventurer.  When  the 
clerk  returned  to  his  master,  the  latter  insisted  upon  re- 
ceiving his  due ;  saying,  as  the  doctor  had  written  the 
order,  he  must  be  held  responsible.  Finally,  the 
quack  paid  the  large  sum  demanded,  (six  hundred  rio) 
preferring  to  lose  his  gold  rather  than  acknowledge  his 
profound  ignorance.  Although  he  did  his  utmost  to 
keep  the  affair  quiet,  it  gradually  leaked  out,  and  soon 
the  song  sellers  on  the  streets  were  heard  chanting  a 
poem  that  made  flushes  of  shame  glow  through  the 
thick  skin  of  the  doctor's  face. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

SIR  CLIFF-SIDE'S  STRANGE  ADVENTURE. 

The  reader  will  remember  that  soon  after  the  sur- 
render of  the  castle  of  Ako,  Sir  Big-rock  despatched 
certain  of  the  conspirators  to  Yedo,  with  instruc- 
tions to  watch  Sir  Kira  and  report  his  movements. 
Among  these  loyal  men  was  Sir  Cliff-side,  who  had  a 
most  extraordinary  adventure,  which  I  will  now  re- 
late. 

This  samurai,  like  his  companions,  had  been  very 
diligent,  never  heeding  what  fatigue  he  underwent. 
For  twenty  months  he  traveled  all  over  the  city  and 
suffered  the  extremes  of  heat  and  cold,  finally  contrac- 
ting a  disease  that  rendered  him  partially  blind  and 
confined  him  to  his  home,  a  small  house  far  from  any 
other  dwelling,  in  the  part  of  Yedo  called  Preaching- 
court,  in  the  district  of  Made-land.  Here  he  resided 
with  his  servant,  Original-help,  who,  in  the  month  of 
February,  1 700,  had  unexpectedly  presented  himself, 
saying : 

"  Honorable  master,  the  news  of  your  sickness  has 

103 


IO4  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

reached  Ako.  I  have  come  to  nurse  and  attend  upon 
you." 

Sir  Cliff-side  was  over-joyed  and  placed  himself 
entirely  in  the  faithful  man's  hands.  During  eight 
months  Original-help  tended  him  day  and  night,  and 
watched  him  with  the  greatest  solicitude. 

Toward  the  end  of  autumn  when  the  leaves  were 
red,  the  sick  man  began  to  show  signs  of  improve- 
ment and  would  sit  for  hours  in  the  little  veranda, 
watching  the  ships  going  and  coming  on  the  blue 
waters  of  the  bay.  One  afternoon  as  he  was  thus 
employed,  the  cackling  of  a  flock  of  geese  passing 
overhead  brought  to  his  memory  thoughts  of  the 
home  where  he  had  left  his  wife  and  children. 

"  Ah ! "  he  sighed.  "  Who  would  not  feel  sad  to 
hear  that  sound  There  go  the  winged  messengers, 
yet  they  have  brought  no  news  to  me.  I  have,  since 
spring,  been  sick,  helpless  and  unable  to  do  my  duty, 
like  Sir  Shell  and  the  rest.  I  fear  I  shall  leak  out  of 
the  conspiracy.  Although  I  have  constantly  and  fer- 
vently prayed  to  the  god  of  medicine,  he  has  been 
slow  to  hear  me,  added  to  which  this  prolonged  sus- 
pense with  regard  to  Sir  Big-rock's  plans  and  my  Jack 
of  funds,  have  rendered  me  doubly  miserable." 

He  sat  for  some  time  in  a  deep  reverie,  watching 

the  receding  line  of  geese  until  it  vanished  upon  the 

horizon,  when  he  was  aroused  by  Original-help  saying: 

'My   honorable   master,    at   last   your  medicine  is 

ready,  please  take  it  while  it  is  hot.     The  days  are 


Sir  Cliff-sides  Strange  Adventure.  io5 

getting  so  short  I  could  not  have  it  prepared  earlier.  I 
had  no  idea  it  was  such  a  great  distance  to  Yeast 
Street.  Doctor  Original-course  was  absent  attending 
our  lady.  When  he  returned  he  told  me  she  had  in- 
quired most  kindly  after  you." 

"That  was  very  good  of  her,"  said  Sir  Cliff-side. 
"Though  my  trouble  has  been  hard  to  bear,  it  is,  when 
compared  with  hers,  as  light  as  down.  The  gods  give 
her  comfort  and  hasten  the  day  when  we  can  look  at 
the  sun  without  blushing." 

Original-help  knelt  by  his  side  and  poured  some  of 
the  hot  medicine  from  a  pot  into  the  cup,  saying : 

"  Honorable  master,  I  think  your  eyes  look  better." 

"  Yes,  I  can  see  yonder  mountains  of  Kazusa,  and 
Awa,  and  the  sails  far  away  down  on  the  bay." 

"Indeed,  indeed!  The  gods  be  praised,  you  will 
soon  be  quite  well  again.  Can  you  discern  that  boat 
next  to  the  fishing  craft,  the  one  in  which  a  man  is 
tending  a  net  ?  " 

Sir  Cliff-side  pointing  in  the  indicated  direction, 
replied : 

"  Yes,  he  is  pulling  the  line  from  the  water.  See 
he  grasps  the  buoy  of  the  net.  He  is  taking  out  a 
fish.  What  a  large  one,  how  it  struggles!" 

"My  honorable  master,  you  are  all  right.  You 
must  thank  Dr.  Original-course.  He  seems  to  under- 
stand your  constitution." 

"That  he  does.  He  is  a  most  skilful  physician. 
He  treated  me  when  I  was  a  boy  at  Ako,  and  our  late 


io6  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

lord  highly  esteemed  him.  He  is  a  very  different  man 
from  Doctor  Butterfly-cottage.  Have  you  ever  heard 
of  that  knave  ?  " 

"  Yes,  my  honorable  master,  I  once  had  occasion  to 
consult  him." 

"  How  foolish  of  you.  He  is  an  unscruplous  pre- 
tender. Of  how  much  did  he  rob  you?  " 

Original-help  cast  down  his  eyes  and  respectfully 
answered : 

"  Honorable  master,  there  are  some  things  to  which 
we  do  not  like  to  refer.  I  promise  you  I  will  never  go 
near  him  again.  Dear  me,  it  is  growing  dusk  and  you 
will  not  be  able  to  see,  I  must  get  the  light  ready." 

He  rose  and  quitting  the  veranda,  went  in-doors, 
leaving  his  master  to  watch  the  setting  sun,  which 
presently  sank  below  the  horizon.  Then  the  color  of 
the  water  changed  from  blue  to  black,  the  angry  wind 
began  to  whistle  and  the  scene,  lately  so  enjoyable, 
became  sad  and  gloomy.  Sir  Cliff-side  followed  his 
servant  and  seating  himself  by  the  lokonoma,  on  which 
stood  his  sword-rack,  covered  with  a  cloth,  lighted  his 
pipe  and  resumed  his  meditation. 

When  the  shadows  had  deepened  into  night  he  was 
aroused  by  voices  outside,  and  some  one  demanding : 

"  I  beg  your  pardon.     Does  Sir  Cliff-side  live  here?  " 

Original-help  being  engaged  in  the  attic,  Sir  Cliff- 
side  answered  the  summons,  saying : 

"  Yes,  I  am  here.     Who  might  you  be  ? " 

"  What,  my  honored  master,  is  that  yourself !    I  am 


Sir  Cliff-sides  Strange  Adventure.          107 

so  glad.  It  is  I,  Original-help,  who  have  traveled 
all  the  way  from  Ako  as  escort  to  your  honorable 
wife." 

The  speaker  then  turned  to  some  one  who  was  with 
him  and  said  : 

"  Come,  the  honorable  wife,  this  is  the  temporary 
residence  of  my  master.  Young  master- babies,  you 
will  now  see  your  father." 

Sir  Cliff-side  was  both  puzzled  and  surprised ;  puz- 
zled at  the  strange  speech  of  Original-help  and  sur- 
prised at  the  sudden  arrival  of  his  wife  and  children. 

"  Mamma,  mamma,  please  untie  my  sandals.  I  want 
to  go  in  quickly,"  cried  the  elder  boy.  "  Papa,  papa, 
it  is  I,  your  little  son,  New-six.  Brother  Help-of-six 
is  with  us." 

"  Come  in  !  come  in,"  joyfully  answered  Sir  Cliff-side. 
"  I  cannot  rise  to  welcome  you,  as  I  am  suffering  from 
a  sickness  called  bird's-eye,  and  am  unable  to  see  any- 
thing in  the  twilight.  Welcome,  Bamboo,  my  wife! 
So  you  have  arrived  from  home.  Lave  your  feet  and 
enter  at  once.  Original-help  will  furnish  you  with 
water  and  towels.  If  I  try  to  move  I  shall  fall  over 
something.  How  pleased  I  am !  Be  quick,  send  the 
children  to  me  and  come  yourself." 

"  I  wonder  where  the  buckets  are  kept,"  said  Origi- 
nal-help, stumbling  about  in  the  entry.  "  Wait  a  mo- 
ment. I  will  use  my  flint  and  steel." 

When  the  servant  had  lighted  a  candle,  Bamboo 
surveyed  the  place  and  noted  its  miserable  appoint- 


io8  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

ments.  The  mats  covering  the  floor  were  old  and 
full  of  holes,  there  were  great  rents  in  the  paper-screens 
through  which  came  strong  draughts,  the  plastering  on 
the  walls  was  cracked  in  all  directions,  and  the  only 
handsome  article  of  furniture  was  the  katanakake 
(sword- rack)  which  stood  on  the  tokonoma  and  held 
Sir  Cliff-side's  weapons. 

"  My  honorable  husband,  are  your  eyes  still  bad  ?  " 
she  remarked,  as  she  hastily  made  her  toilet.  "  I  was 
most  anxious  to  know  how  you  were,  so  as  we  came 
through  the  city,  called  upon  Dr.  Original-course.  He 
told  me  you  would  soon  be  quite  well." 

"  Yes,  that  is  correct.  I  don't  mind  my  sickness 
now  you  and  the  little  ones  have  arrived." 

She  entered  the  room,  knelt  before  Sir  Cliff-side, 
placed  her  hands  on  the  floor,  and  bending  her  fore- 
head to  the  mat,  respectfully  saluted  him,  saying  : 

"My  honorable  husband,  I  have  not  seen  you  for 
many,  many  months,  during  which  time  I  have  been 
longing  to  look  once  more  upon  your  face.  You 
must  have  lived  very  uncomfortably  in  this  wretched 
habitation.  Who  has  attended  upon  you  ?  " 

"  Original-help,"  said  Sir  Cliff-side.  "  He  is  as  in- 
dustrious and  kind  as  ever. " 

14 1  understand,  my  honorable  husband,  you  have  a 
servant  whom  you  call  Original-help,  after  the  faithful 
man  who  has  escorted  me  from  home. " 

"  Escorted  you  from  home,  Bamboo  ?  Why  he  has 
been  with  me  since  February."  Then  he  called,  in  a 


Sir  Cliff -sides  Strange  Adventure.          109 

loud  voice,  "Original-help,  come  and  see  your  honor- 
able mistress  ?  " 

"  I  am  coming,  honorable  master." 

Thus  speaking  Original-help  No.  i  descended  from 
the  attic  with  a  lantern  in  his  hand,  at  the  same  time 
Original-help  No.  2  entered  from  the  veranda,  leading 
the  elder  child  and  carrying  the  younger  in  his  arms. 

In  the  excitement  of  beholding  his  children,  Sir 
Cliff- side  forgot  the  extraordinary  phenomenon  of  the 
duplicate  Original  -help,  and  affectionately  rubbing  his 
elder  boy  on  the  head,  said  : 

"  My  son,  New-six,  you  have  grown  quite  a  big 
fellow.  I  am  so  glad  to  set  eyes  upon  you  again,  I 
hope  you  have  been  good  and  obeyed  your  mother.  I 
see  Help-of-six  is  afraid  of  me  and  hides  his  head  in 
Original-help's  short  coat." 

New-six  looked  up  anxiously  at  his  father's  face  and 
enquired  in  a  gentle  voice  : 

"Dear  papa,  do  your  eyes  pain  you?  I  am  glad  I 
have  come,  now  you  will  have  some  one  to  rub  your 
back,  you  know  that  is  a  good  thing  to  do  to  sick 
people  ?  " 

Little  Help-of-six,  encouraged  by  Original-help  No.  2 
glanced  timidly  around  and  said,  "Is  my  papa  sick?" 
Then,  descending  from  the  servant's  arms,  he  toddled 
toward  his  parent  and  fondled  him,  saying,  "I,  too, 
will  rub  your  back,  papa.  You  will  soon  get  quite 
well." 

Sir  Cliff-side   was  moved   to  tears   by   the   tender 


no  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

speeches  and  affectionate  manner  of  his  children,  and 
for  some  moments  was  unable  to  speak.  At  last  he 
held  them  close  to  him  and  said : 

"  O,  both  of  you  have  become  most  gentle.  My  dear 
Bamboo,  you  must  feel  very  tired,  lie  down  without 
any  ceremony  and  rest." 

Bamboo  stretched  herself  upon  the  mat  and  the  little 
ones  reclined  upon  their  father's  knees,  while  he  car- 
essed them  and  talked  with  his  wife  about  their  dead 
lord. 

Original  help  No.  2  softly  rose  and  retired  to  the 
kitchen  where  he  found  Original-help  No.  i  busily 
engaged  preparing  supper.  Although  he  had  heard 
the  man  addressed  by  the  same  name  as  himself,  he 
was  unaware  how  exactly  they  resembled  each  other. 

"  Mr.  Original-help,"  he  whispered,  "  I  do  not  wish 
to  disturb  our  master  and  mistress  who  have  much  to 
talk  about.  I  have  brought  from  Ako  many  letters 
and  messages  for  the  attendants  on  Lady  Pure-gem. 
As  it  is  some  distance  from  here  to  Blue-hill  I  wish  to 
start  soon.  Will  you  require  any  aid  from  me  ?  " 

"No,  Mr.  Original-help,"  laughingly  answered  the 
other.  "You  start  at  once.  I  will  attend  to  our  mas- 
ter and  mistress.  You  need  not  hurry  back  to-night. 
The  road  between  here  and  Blue-hill  is  none  of  the 
safest  I  will  explain  the  reason  of  your  absence  to 
our  master." 

"Thank  you,"  said  Original-help  No.  2.  "I  will 
return  early  in  the  morning." 


Sir  Cliff-side's  Strange  Adventure.          in 

Sir  Cliff-side  and  his  wife  had  ceased  their  conver- 
sation in  order  to  listen  to  the  foregoing  talk,  and,  when 
the  man  departed,  the  lady  said  : 

"  I  am  very  much  perplexed  by  the  resemblance 
between  those  men.  Did  you  not  tell  me  that  your 
servant  was  our  Original-help  ?  " 

"  So  he  is,  Bamboo.  He  came  from  Ako  in  Feb- 
ruary." 

"  But,  my  honorable  husband,  Original-help  has 
never  left  me.  Your  man  must  be  my  servant's  twin- 
brother." 

"  That  is  impossible,"  replied  Sir  Cliff-side.  "  They 
are  evidently  strangers  to  one  another.  I  am  as  much 
puzzled  as  yourself." 

The  lady  thought  for  a  while,  then  said  in  a  low, 
terrified  tone  : 

"My  honorable  husband,  now  I  understand  the 
mystery.  It  is  a  case  of  the  soul-dividing  disease." 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

THE   GOD   FOX. 

The  ancient  book  called  Kishitzuho  (prescriptions 
for  strange  sicknesses)  thus  describes  the  ri-kon-bio 
(soul-dividing  disease); 

"  If  any  person  suddenly  becomes  two  beings,  ex- 
actly resembling  each  other,  it  is  a  case  of  soul-dividing 
disease.  You  may  know  this  by  the  fact  of  the  dupli- 
cate person  being  unable  to  speak.  The  remedy  for 
such  an  affliction  is  as  follows  : 

"Take  equal  parts  of  gentian,  asafoetida  and  ginger, 
pound  them  in  a  mortar  and  make  a  strong  infusion. 
Give  the  person  who  can  speak,  one  sakd  cupful  every 
half  hour.  The  medicine  will  make  the  patient  bright 
and  cheerful,  and  cause  the  duplicate,  wandering  spirit 
to  return  to  its  proper  body. 

"  This  disease  is  a  very  rare  one." 

Sir  Cliff-side  quoted  the  fore-going  extracts  to  his 
wife  adding : 

"  Bamboo,  I  do  not  believe  any  such  sickness  exists 
out  of  books.  Doctors  are  very  fond  of  explaining 

112 


The  God  Fox.  \\\ 

things  that  no  human  being  can  fathom.  Even,  ac- 
cording to  their  statement,  this  cannot  be  a  case  of 
the  soul-dividing  disease,  for  both  men  speak.  Do  not 
permit  the  affair  to  worry  you.  Leave  a  mystery 
alone  and  it  will  explain  itself.  Tell  me  about  Sir 
Big- rock  and  what  has  brought  you  hither.  See, 
our  dear  children  are  both  fast  asleep  on  my  knees. 
Leave  them  so  until  supper  is  ready." 

Bamboo  moved  closer  to  her  husband,  and,  fearing 
Original-help  No.  i  might  be  a  spy  of  Kira,  whispered : 

"  I  have  very  important  news  for  you.  I  suppose 
you  have  heard  how  strangely  the  chief-councillor  has 
behaved ;  how  he  divorced  his  wife,  gave  up  the  care 
of  his  children  and  spends  his  time  with  the  butter-flies 
of  the  tea-houses.  Such  things  would  not  have  been 
surprising  in  an  ordinary  man,  but  coming  from  the 
chief-councillor  have  amazed  every  one.  The  con- 
spirators in  Kioto  have  been  terribly  exercised,  spite 
of  which  he  carries  himself  in  a  most  reckless  manner. 
Is  this  not  incomprehensible  ?  Can  he  have  forgotten 
the  kindnesses  of  our  late  lord  ?  " 

"  Bamboo,  I  have  every  faith  in  Sir  Big-rock.  We 
know  of  his  proceedings,  and  have  many  times  met 
to  consult  about  the  matter,  finally  agreeing  to  con- 
tinue our  work  of  watching  Kira,  and  to  wait  patiently. 
Sir  Big-rock  is  not  a  man  to  indulge  in  such  pleasures 
for  the  sake  of  gratifying  himself.  Our  enemy,  al- 
though skulking  in  the  retirement  of  his  residence, 
has  immense  influence,  and  is  guarded  vigilantly.  I, 


1 1 4  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

and  many  of  the  conspirators,  believe  Sir  Big-rocic 
acts  as  he  does  to  throw  Kira  off  his  guard.  If  our 
conjecture  is  correct  all  will  yet  go  well,  and  when  the 
proper  moment  arrives,  Sir  Big-rock  will  give  us  the 
signal.  Our  present  anxiety  is  to  learn  what  are  his 
real  sentiments ;  Sir  Hatchet  and  Sir  Common  have 
this  matter  in  hand,  and,  being  on  the  spot,  know 
what  is  best  to  do.  In  a  few  days  they  will  be  joined 
by  Sir  Thousand-cliffs  who  will  represent  the  con- 
spirators residing  in  this  city.  Now  tell  me  what  you 
have  to  communicate." 

"  My  honorable  master,"  said  Original-help  No.  i, 
speaking  from  the  kitchen,  "  at  last  the  supper  is 
ready.  The  honorable  wife  and  master-boys  must  be 
very  hungry.  I  am  ashamed  to  say  there  is  nothing 
good  to  give  them." 

The  father  awoke  his  children  and  the  servant 
brought  in  the  repast,  which  was  really  a  most  excel- 
lent one  and  was  heartily  enjoyed.  During  the  meal 
Original-help  No.  I  laughed  with  the  boys,  who  in 
their  innocence,  took  the  man  to  be  Original-help  No.  2, 
though  the  wife  was  secretly  troubled  and  regarded 
him  askance. 

The  supper  being  over,  the  mother  made  up 
beds  for  her  little  ones,  and,  when  the  attendant  had 
retired  for  the  night,  reclined  close  to  her  husband  and 
observed  in  a  low  tone  : 

"  At  last  I  can  speak  freely.  About  a  week  before 
I  left  Ako,  the  chief-councillor  called  upon  me  and 


The  God  Fox.  u5 

said :  '  I  am  informed  Sir  Cliff-side  has  been  very 
sick  and  that  he  has  not  yet  fully  recovered.  Of  course, 
under  the  circumstances,  you  have  desired  to  be  with 
him,  still,  knowing  his  position,  have  submitted  pa- 
tiently, fearing  lest  your  presence  might  interfere  with 
our  plans.  That  is  as  it  should  be  and  your  loyal  con- 
duct merits  my  thanks.  I,  however,  now  desire  you 
will  join  your  husband  and  take  your  children  with  you. 
When  a  man  is  sick  it  is  not  good  for  him  to  be  left 
to  the  mercy  of  strangers.'  He  then  gave  me  thirty 
rio  for  you  and  ten  for  my  traveling  expenses,"  pro- 
ducing the  money.  "  Honorable  husband,  although  I 
have  practised  the  utmost  economy,  I  have  only  been 
able  to  save  four  rio.  The  boys  were  both  of  them 
sick  and  I  had  to  pay  for  many  extras." 

"  My  dear  Bamboo,  you  have  done  well  to  save 
anything.  This  present  from  the  chief-councillor," 
raising  the  package  to  his  forehead,  "gives  me  double 
'hope.  It  shows  he  has  neither  forgotten  his  vow  nor 
myself." 

«'  Honorable  husband,  that  is  not  all.  The  chief- 
councillor  said  :  '  Later  on  I  will  despatch  Sir  Hatchet 
or  Sir  Island-in-the-front  with  money  for  those  who  are 
in  Yedo.'  Here,"  producing  another  package,  "  are 
thirty-eight  rio  I  received  for  the  sale  of  our  house 
and  furniture,  and  five  rio  paid  me  by  the  District- 
overseer.  He  said  :  '  I  know  you  must  be  sorely 
pinched  by  being  so  suddenly  cut  off  from  the  income 
allowed  by  your  lord,  and  thinking  you  needed  the 


1 1 6  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

money,  have  brought  five  of  the  ten  rio  I  owe  your 
husband.'  He  expressed  the  deepest  regret  at  his 
inability  at  once  to  pay  the  entire  sum  borrowed  of 
you,  and  promised  to  do  all  in  his  power  soon  to  liqui- 
date the  debt.  Though  I  did  not  like  to  act  without 
consulting  you,  I  was  so  much  touched  by  his  good- 
ness, that  I  gave  him  a  receipt  for  ten  rio.  Instead  of 
trying  to  cheat  us,  like  some  people  I  could  mention, 
he  did  his  best." 

"  I  thank  you,  Bamboo.  You  acted  just  as  I  would 
have  done.  The  overseer  was  one  of  our  lord's  re- 
tainers, yet  he  lives  a  great  distance  from  the  city,  and 
could  safely  have  assumed  a  know-nothing  face  with 
regard  to  his  debt.  I  thank  the  gods  there  are  some 
honest  men  in  the  world." 

"  Yes,  he  is  honest  through  and  through.  At  first 
he  refused  to  take  the  receipt  and,  finally,  said  :  '  Tell 
your  honorable  husband,  after  the  harvest  is  over  I 
intend  to  visit  Yedo,  when  I  will  call  on  him  and  clear 
my  conscience.'  Now  you  have  learned  what  brought 
me  hither,  I  would  like  to  know  about  your  sickness. 
How  came  your  eyes  in  such  a  state  ?  " 

"  Mine  is  a  case  of  drying  up  of  the  water  of  the 
pupil.  At  first,  Dr.  Original-course  felt  very  anxious 
about  me,  saying  the  only  thing  to  cure  my  disease 
would  be  to  use  the  very  best  pearls  ;  yet  how  could 
I  obtain  things  of  such  great  value.  I  believe  our 
lady  must  have  given  him  some  for  me  as,  since  Feb- 
ruary, I  have  been  regularly  supplied  with  them." 


The  God  Fox.  117 

"Ah,  honorable  husband,  our  lady  is  very  good!" 

"  Yes,  indeed  she  is.  Only  to-day  she  spoke  to  the 
doctor  about  me.  So  the  children  were  sick  during 
the  journey  ?  " 

"  Yes,  at  one  time  I  feared  little  Help-of-six  would 
die.  You  must  know  they  have  both  had  the  small- 
pox. I  was  compelled  to  stay  a  month  in  the  city  of 
Mulberry  and  was  at  my  wit's  end.  Poor  Help-of-six, 
not  being  as  old  and  sensible  as  his  brother,  cried  all 
day,  was  very  irritable,  and  would  never  sleep  except 
on  my  lap.  As  many  as  three  physicians  gave  him 
up,  and  twice  his  breathing  ceased  altogether.  But 
for  our  good  Original-help,  I  should  not  be  here  to- 
day. He  attended  upon  us  with  the  greatest  devo- 
tion, going  without  sleep,  treating  the  boys  as  his  own. 
and  encouraging  us  by  word  and  deed.  I  prayed  to 
the  gods  constantly,  and  vowed  if  my  children  were 
spared  not  to  eat  sugar  or  oranges  for  three  years,  so 
please  don't  tempt  me  with  those  things.  My  prayers 
were  heard  and  the  dear  boys  got  well.  I  have  the 
happiness  of  presenting  them  to  you  without  their 
showing  any  signs  of  the  trouble.  You  don't  know 
how  much  I  have  endured." 

"  The  gods  be  praised,  they  have  safely  passed 
through  one  calamity  of  their  lives.  You  say  Help- 
of-six  suffered  the  most  ?  That  is  a  thing  I  cannot 
understand.  New-six,  being  the  elder,  should  have 
had  most  disease  in  his  body,  at  least  so  say  the  doc- 
tors, though  I  believe  many  of  their  assertions  are 


1 1 8  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

mere  guesses.  When  I  think  of  the  great  calamity 
that  has  overtaken  our  lord,  I  am  perfectly  willing  to 
die.  My  duty  to  him  is  before  all  other  ;  still,  remem- 
bering the  uncertain  future  of  our  poor  babes,  I  cannot 
help  feeling  anxious." 

Bamboo  wiped  her  eyes  with  her  sleeves,  and  gazing 
earnestly  at  him,  replied  : 

"  My  honorable  husband,  though  you  cannot  leave 
your  children  a  fortune,  you  will  bequeath  them  some- 
thing better — a  reputation  that  will  keep  them  straight 
through  life.  All  the  world  is  waiting  for  you  and  your 
honorable  companions  to  strike  at  the  cowardly  wretch 
who  deprived  us  of  our  benevolent  and  beloved  lord. 
Remember,  in  the  sad  days  when  my  eyes  will  no 
longer  behold  you,  our  two  brave  boys  will  constantly 
visit  your  tomb,  deck  it  with  flowers,  and  burn  incense 
to  your  spirit.  Let  that  comfort  you." 

"  My  loyal  wife,  I  am  ready,  at  any  moment,  to  do 
my  duty.  Your  words,  indeed,  cheer  me,  for  I  know 
after  I  have  gone  the  Lonely  Road,  you  will  bring  up 
our  children  like  true  samurai" 

"  Yes,  my  honorable  husband,  I  will  endeavor 
to  do  so.  You  are  tired,  let  me  give  you  your 
medicine." 

She  procured  the  pot,  and,  while  pouring  out  the 
liquid,  whispered  to  him  : 

"  I  shall  not  sleep  a  wink  to-night.  You  are  brave 
and  above  superstition  ;  I  am  only  a  woman  full  of  the 
fancies  of  my  sex.  I  really  believe  my  good  Original- 


The  God  Fox. 

help  must  have  had  an  attack  of  the  soul-dividing 
disease." 

The  next  morning  Original-help  No.  2  arrived  at  the 
house  and  found  everything  ready  for  breakfast,  but 
Original-help  No.  i  was  nowhere  to  be  seen. 

As  Sir  Cliff-side,  his  wife  and  children,  entered  the 
room,  the  man  saluted  them  and  said  : 

"  My  honorable  master,  did  your  Original-help  de- 
liver my  respectful  message  ?  " 

"  No,"  said  Sir  Cliff-side,  then  raising  his  voice,  he 
shouted  :  "  Original-help,  where  are  you  ?  " 

The  echo  outside  repeated  :  "  Where  are  you  ?  " 

"  Come,"  said  Bamboo  to  her  attendant,  "  I  see  you 
are  now  all  right." 

The  man  hesitated,  as  though  ashamed,  and  said  : 

"  My  honorable  mistress,  I  thought  I  had  walked 
off  all  traces  of  last  night's  indulgence.  The  servants 
of  our  lady  plied  me  with  sakd.  You  see  they  were 
very  glad  to  get  news  from  Ako  and  it  was  first 
4  drink  with  me,'  then  '  drink  with  me,'  until  your 
miserable  Original-help  was  as  red  as  Shut-ten-do- shi 
(the  demon  of  drink).  I  beg  you  will  forgive  me  this 
time." 

The  lady  waited  until  her  husband  had  gone  into 
the  veranda,  then  whispered  to  the  penitent  servant  r 

"  Original-help,  I  am  going  to  tell  you  something. 
Do  not  be  alarmed ;  you  have  lately  suffered  from  a 
dreadful  malady." 

"  Yes,   my   honorable    mistress,   sofa    always    has 


I2O  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

been  my  weakness.     I  have  a  chronic  trouble  termed 
dry-throat." 

"  No,  not  that,  good  Original-help.  You  have  been 
afflicted  with  a  most  wonderful  complaint,  called  the 
soul-dividing  disease.  One  half  of  you  has  been  here, 
in  Yedo,  with  my  honorable  husband,  and  the  other 
in  attendance  upon  me.  Your  double  has  returned 
to  your  body.  Do  not  tremble  so,  you  are  perfectly 
cured." 

The  bewildered  man  gaped  at  her,  as  though  fear- 
ing she  was  not  in  her  right  senses,  but  remembering 
a  samurai  lady  must  know  more  than  a  common  fel- 
low like  himself,  proceeded  to  dish  the  breakfast,  mur- 
muring as  he  did  so  : 

"  That  fellow,  who  called  himself  Original-help,  like 
me  ?  If  I  thought  I  looked  as  homely  as  he  does,  I 
would  go  and  drown  myself." 

In  a  little  while  he  announced  the  meal  was  ready, 
and  the  family  seated  themselves. '  They  had  scarcely 
begun  to  eat  when  a  paper  fluttered  in  through  the 
porch  and  fell  at  Sir  Cliff-side's  feet. 

"  What  is  this  ? "  he  cried,  picking  it  up,  then  read 
its  contents,  which  were  as  follows  : 

"Since  last  February  I  have  assumed  the  form  and 
manner  of  your  servant,  Original-help,  and  nursed  you 
during  your  sickness.  Now  your  family  and  attendant 
have  arrived  from  Ako,  you  no  longer  require  my  aid. 
Your  eyes  are  fast  getting  well,  yet  be  advised  by  me 
and  continue  taking  the  pearls.  I  have  left  a  good 


The  God  Fox.  121 

number  of  them  for  you  in  the  hands  of  your  doc- 
tor, who  believes  they  came  from  Lady  Pure-gem. 
Using  my  supernatural  power  I  assumed  the  shape 
of  a  merchant,  and — while  punishing  that  avaricious 
quack,  Dr.  Butterfly-cottage,  who,  forgetting  the  bene- 
fits conferred  upon  him  by  his  former  lord,  is  consort- 
ing with  your  enemies — obtained  what  you  so  sadly 
needed.  You  may  expect  still  further  assistance  from 
me. 

"  To  Sir  Cliff-side  ; 

"  From  an  inhabitant  of  the  residence  of  Lady  Pure-gem." 


After  reading  this  the  samurai  remarked  to  his 
amazed  wife  and  servant : 

"  Then  the  one  whom  I  deemed  to  be  a  man  was 
the  god  Fox  of  the  residence  of  our  lady.  He  has 
taken  pity  upon  me  and  saved  me  much  suffering. 
How  can  I  forget  his  great  mercy  !  " 

Overcome  by  this  discovery  the  three  shed  tears  of 
gratitude  ;  while  the  children,  witnessing  their  emotion, 
uttered  piercing  cries  and  wept  as  profusely  as  their 
elders. 

When  Sir  Cliff-side  recovered  the  full  use  of  his 
sight,  he  paid  a  visit  to  Lady  Pure-gem,  to  whom  he 
related  the  wonderful  story  here  recorded.  She  was 
greatly  moved  by  the  miraculous  interposition  of  the 
god,  and,  assembling  her  attendants,  reverently  made 
offerings  at  his  shrine. 


122  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

From  that  time  be  was  referred  to  as  the  "  Omnipo- 
tent g-od  Fox  Original-help."  which  name  he  contin- 
"j±s  to  bear  to  the  present  day. 

If  the  reader  desires  to  satisfy  himself  of  this  fact,  he 
Las  only  to  visit  the  Blue-hill  district  where  he  wiU 
nnd  tie  shrine,  which  is  kept  in  beautinil  order  by  the 
neighboring-  inhabitants  :  yet  there  are  some  sceptics 
who  sneer  at  the  supernatural  powers  of  the  god  Fox. 


CHAPTER  XVIL 

CONVOLVULUS  OVERHEARS  A  CONVERSATION. 

**  The  cherry  blossoms  were  bhisiiig  in  the  temple  gardens  ;  the 
air  was  mild  and  fall  of  vernal  incense  sent  up  to  the  flowers  to 
the  gods  ;  the  swiftly-flowing  water  of  the  Kamo  River  glittered 
like  the  spears  of  a  vast  army  ;  pic-nic  parties  swarmed  out  to  the 
hills  surrounding  the  city  ;  and  all  creation  revelled  in  the  warm 
sunshine." 

On  such  a  day  as  this,  Sir  Big-rock  was  seen  stag- 
gering along  Temple  Street,  Kioto.  He  was  dressed 
in  a  black  costume,  marked  with  his  crest,  and  carried 
himself  with  the  exaggerated  dignity  of  a  man  who  has 
taken  an  extra  cup  ;  seeing  which  the  beggars  and 
tradesmen  nimbly  got  out  of  his  way,  knowing,  from 
experience,  that  the  sword  of  a  drunken  samurai  rests 
uneasily  in  its  scabbard.  As  he  turned  the  corner  of 
Temple  Avenue  he  was  stopped  by  a  ronin  wearing 
a  pilgrim's  hat,  who  saluted  him,  and  said  in  a  low 
tone  : 

"  Well  met,  Sir  Big-rock,  I  have  been  looking  for 
you  everywhere." 

123 


124  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

The  councillor  steadied  himself  against  the  trunk  of 
a  cherry-tree,  and,  peering  at  the  speaker  through  his 
half-closed  eye-lids,  replied  : 

"  Well  met,  Sir  Common.  I  was  just  hoping  to  see 
some  thirsty  friend  who  would  assist  me  in  emptying 
a  bottle  of  the  best.  There  is  an  excellent  shop  not 
far  from  here,  where  the  Bozu  (Buddhist  priests)  ob- 
tain their  nourishment.  Come  along,  come  along." 

Thus  speaking,  he  grasped  Sir  Common  by  the  arm 
and  led  him  down  a  side-street  to  an  inn  called  the 
"  Eight  Supreme  Delights."  When  they  were  seated 
in  a  private  room,  Sir  Common  began  to  question  his 
friend  with  regard  to  his  intentions  concerning  Sir 
Kira.  Sir  Big-rock  listened  indifferently,  and  pres- 
ently remarked  : 

"  We  came  to  drink,  not  talk  about  impossible 
things.  It  is  useless  for  a  sickle-insect  to  attack  a 
team  of  horses.  Is  that  all  you  have  to  tell  me  ?  " 

Sir  Common  lowered  his  voice  to  a  whisper  and 
said : 

"  Honorable  comrade,  I  have  something  important 
to  communicate.  Do  you  remember  the  woman  who 
was  lately  attendant  upon  your  children  ?  She  called 
herself  Peach-blossom." 

"  Yes,  I  recollect  the  creature  ;  her  true  name  was 
Convolvulus.  She  was  a  spy  of  Sir  Kira  and  is  the  wife 
of  Black-field,  his  trusted  retainer.  I,  at  one  time, 
thought  of  using  her  as  a  means  of  deceiving  her  mas- 
ter, but  now  have  given  up  the  idea.  She  lives  not 


Convolvulus  Overhears  a   Conversation.        i25 

far  from  here,  next  door  to  a  very  worthy  man  who  is 
a  money-changer.  I  spent  last  evening  at  his  house, 
and  he  was  so  hospitable  that  on  my  way  home  I 
dropped  one  of  my  swords.  When  you  met  me  I 
was  endeavoring  to  find  it." 

"  I  understand,  honorable  comrade,  Convolvulus 
listens  to  everything  that  passes  between  you  and 
your  friend.  Her  husband  and  a  band  of  Kira's  peo- 
ple are  secreted  in  her  house,  waiting  for  a  chance  to 
kill  you.  They  have  been  following  you  for  several 
months.  Be  warned  by  me,  and  do  not  go  near  the 
place  to-night." 

As  he  ceased  speaking  he  looked  at  Sir  Big-rock, 
whom,  to  his  annoyance,  he  found  fast  asleep; 
noticing  which  he  arose  and  summoning  the  landlord, 
said  : 

"  This  noble  samurai  is  suffering  from  over- fatigue. 
Here  is  a  rio,  I  pray  you  let  him  remain  as  long  as  he 
desires.  When  he  awakens,  give  him  some  of  your 
best  sake",  and  do  everything  in  your  power  to  detain 
him  here  all  night.  I  will  call  again  to-morrow." 

He  quitted  the  room,  and  the  landlord,  closing  the 
door  after  him,  significantly  replied  : 

"Judging  by  your  honorable  friend's  symptoms,  he 
will  not  awaken  until  sunset.  Your  instructions  shall 
be  strictly  followed." 

No  sooner  had  Sir  Common  departed  than  Sir  Big- 
rock  arose,  and  reassuming  an  intoxicated  expression, 
staggered  out  of  the  apartment  and,  spite  of  the  land- 


126  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

lord's  persuasion,  sallied  into  the  street.  His  zig-zag 
walk  highly  amused  a  number  of  children,  who,  falling 
into  line,  mimicked  his  gestures  and  followed  him  as 
far  as  the  house  of  the  money-changer. 

Sir  Big-rock  seated  himself  upon  the  edge  of  the 
platform  at  the  entrance  to  the  store,  which  was  shaded 
by  an  over-hanging  pine  tree,  and  glanced  drowsily  at 
the  proprietor,  who,  after  saluting  him  respectfully, 
ordered  his  boy  to  bring  some  tea,  then  observed  : 

"  Honorable  sir,  I  presume  you  have  come  for  your 
sword  ?  "  producing  the  weapon  and  handing  it  to  his 
visitor.  "  My  boy  found  it  lying  on  the  tokonoma  in 
the  back  room." 

At  that  moment  the  lad  came  forward  with  the  cup 
of  tea  on  a  small  lacquered  tray  and  kneeling  near  the 
guest,  presented  it,  thinking  as  he  did  so  : 

"  The  honorable  samurai  is  very  much  confused  this 
morning :  what  comical  grimaces  he  makes." 

Sir  Big-rock  did  not  take  the  cup,  being  busily  en- 
gaged in  attempting  to  draw  the  sword  from  its  sheath. 
While  he  was  thus  employed  Mrs.  Convolvulus 
emerged  from  a  neighboring  house,  and  noiselessly  ap- 
proaching the  money-changer's  residence,  listened  at  a 
side  window. 

"This  sword,"  said  Sir  Big-rock,  "  was  presented  to 
me  by  my  late  lord.  There  are  people  who  reproach 
me  for  not  having  avenged  his  death.  I  laugh  at  all 
such  idiots.  What  can  one  person  do  against  a  pow- 
erful noble  like  Sir  Kira.  Moreover,  remembering 


Convolvulus  Overhears  a   Conversation.        127 

the  saying,  '  man's  life  is  but  fifty  years,'  who  would 
care  to  shorten  it.  Turning  to  the  boy  he  murmured  : 
"  Sake"  ?  Yes,  I  can  always  take  a  cup." 

"  This  is  Uzi  tea,"  responded  the  lad,  stifling  an  in- 
clination to  snicker. 

"  The  honorable  samurai  knows  that,"  said  the  mon- 
ey-changer, frowning  at  his  servant.  "  Why  did  you 
not  bring  sake  as  I  directed  ?  " 

The    boy   retired   and  on   reaching  the  rear  apart- 
ment, performed  a  pantomimic  dance,  and  sang  to  him 
self: 

"  Sake  and  tea  are  all  the  same  to  a  man  who  has 
been  to  see  the  flowers." 

"  Mr.  Gold-help,"  hiccoughed  the  visitor,  as  though 
replying  to  an  invitation,  "  certainly,  certainly,  I  will 
visit  you  again  this  evening." 

"  You  honor  me,  Sir  Big-rock.  At  what  time  may 
I  expect  you  ?" 

"  About  the  hour  of  the  Hog  (8  p.  M.),"  drowsily  an- 
swered his  guest.  "  We  will  indulge  in  a  royal 
carouse." 

"  You  shall  have  some  more  of  that  old  sake,"  said 
the  delighted  merchant. 

"  Good,  good  !  "  muttered  the  other  "  I  cannot  wait 
now.  Permit  me  to  leave  this  sword  here  until  to- 
night. It  will  never  do  for  me  to  go  through  the 
streets  at  mid-day  with  three  weapons  in  my 
girdle.  People  might  imagine  me  to  be  intoxicated." 

As  he  rose  to  depart  he  saw  the  shadow  of  Convol- 
vulus vanish  from  the  window. 


128  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

About  the  hour  of  the  Rat  (midnight),  when  most 
honest  men  were  slumbering,  Sir  Big-rock  quitted  the 
house  of  the  money-changer.  The  latter  had  long 
been  oblivious  of  anything  his  guest  said,  and  was 
lying  on  his  back,  with  his  right  arm  in  a  dish  of 
stewed  lampreys.  His  visitor  had  done  the  talking 
and  he  the  drinking ;  though  the  tradesman  im- 
agined the  reverse. 

The  samurai  assumed  an  intoxicated  air  and  walked 
very  eccentrically,  pausing  frequently  to  gaze  at  the 
moon.  He  did  not  appear  to  observe  three  men  who 
had  emerged  from  a  neighboring  tenement  and,  sword 
in  hand,  were  creeping  after  him,  their  bare  feet  mak- 
ing no  sound  upon  the  pavement.  After  going  some 
distance  he  turned  down  a  lane  and  entered  a  lonely 
spot  at  the  rear  of  the  shrine  of  Hachiman  (the  god  of 
war).  In  the  midst  of  the  ground  was  a  gnarled, 
feathery  pine,  the  trunk  of  which  was  completely 
shaded  by  the  drooping  branches.  Sir  Big-rock  stag- 
gered toward  the  tree  and  placed  his  back  against  the 
stem,  when,  all  of  a  sudden,  the  men  rushed  forward 
and  attempted  to  cut  him  down. 

This  proved  a  very  difficult  task,  he  being  in  the 
shadow  and  his  assailants  in  the  full  light  of  the  moon  ; 
added  to  which  he  fought  with  the  greatest  coolness 
and  skill.  The  bravos  finding  they  were  getting  the 
worst  of  it,  took  to  their  heels,  never  stopping  until 
they  reached  the  house  of  Convolvulus,  who  expended 
a  large  package  of  paper  in  patching  their  mutilated 
bodies. 


Convolvulus  Overhears  a   Conversation.        129 

They  forgot  to  report  the  result  of  their  encounter 
to  Kira,  and  as  their  intended  victim  kept  his  own 
counsel,  the  loyal  ronins  remained  in  ignorance  of  the 
affair. 

From  that  time  the  spies  contented  themselves  with 
watching  Sir  Big-rock  and  reporting  his  vagaries  to 
their  master,  who,  as  the  days  passed,  gradually  began 
to  regard  his  enemy  with  profound  contempt 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

SIR  UNCONQUERABLE  PERFORMS  AN  ACT  OF  JUSTICE. 

"  An  arrow  aimed  at  a  private  soldier  sometimes  slays  a  general. 
A   chance   word   is  often  more  effective  than  a  premeditated 
speech." 

In  the  vicinity  of  Kamakura,  within  bowshot  of 
the  great  bronze  image  of  Buddha,  was  a  fashiona- 
ble inn,  that,  in  the  spring  of  1701,  was  conducted  by 
two  men  and  a  woman,  whose  dialect  betrayed  them 
to  be  natives  of  Ako,  though  they  assured  every  one 
they  had  come  from  the  South. 

Their  establishment  was  managed  in  a  very  pecul- 
iar way,  none  of  the  servants  being  permitted  to  re- 
main in  the  house  at  night,  and  strange  rumors  were 
circulated  regarding  the  proprietors,  who  were  said  to 
be  bandits.  One  of  them  was  an  old  man  called 
Quick-sand,  and  the  other,  who  was  supposed  to  be  his 
relative,  was  addressed  as  Long- radish  ;  though  few 
imagined  those  were  their  true  names.  Both  stood  in 
the  greatest  fear  of  the  hostess,  who,  while  she  sat  in  her 

130 


Sir  Unconquerable  Performs  an  Act  of  Justice.     131 

private  room  and  enjoyed  every  luxury,  ordered  them 
about  like  beggars,  and  compelled  them  to  do  the  work 
of  four  servants.  This  woman  had  a  very  hot  tongue, 
and  ruled  the  house,  even  the  guests  sometimes  ex- 
periencing the  effect  of  her  temper. 

One  evening  Sir  Unconquerable,  dressed  as  of  old 
and  wearing  his  ronin  hat,  presented  himself  at  the  inn, 
and  marching  into  the  best  apartment,  ordered  refresh- 
ments, at  the  same  time  curtly  announcing  that  he  in- 
tended to  remain  all  night. 

A  few  days  before,  he  had  been  told  of  the  bad  rep- 
utation borne  by  the  establishment,  on  hearing  which 
he  felt  a  burning  desire  to  visit  it ;  his  old  spirit  of  ad- 
venture prompting  him  to  go  where  hard  knocks  were 
likely  to  be  given  and  taken.  He  was  also  informed 
Sir  Kira's  chief- councillor  was  in  the  habit  of  frequent- 
ing the  inn. 

When  the  attendant  had  delivered  the  new-comer's 
order  to  her  mistress,  she  said  : 

"I  do  not  keep  a  house  for  the  entertainment  of 
poor  samurai" 

"  Mrs.  Rose-bud,  he  is  not  poor.  I  believe  he  is 
Sir  Plain- field  who  made  a  large  sum  of  money  by  the 
misfortunes  of  his  lord.  He  carries  a  big  purse." 

"  Big  purse,  does  he  ?  That  settles  the  case.  You 
are  not  beautiful  enough  to  wait  on  such  a  valuable 
guest ;  send  Tiger-lily  here.  She  is  the  one  to  make 
him  order  expensive  food  and  drink." 

While  the   grim-visaged   ronin  was  being  served, 


132  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

her  husband  and  his  partner  entered  her  room,  when 
she  said  : 

"  Quick-sand  and  Long-radish,  go  and  look  through 
the  spy-hole  at  our  new  guest.  He  is  laden  with 
money.  You  will  have  to  attend  to  him  to-night." 

The  elder  of  the  men  put  on  his  horn-spectacles, 
and  advancing  to  a  place  where  some  holes  had 
been  made  in  the  wall,  peeped, — then  began  to  trem- 
ble. 

"  Are  you  going  to  have  a  stroke  ?  "  she  snapped. 
"  What  has  overtaken  you  ?  " 

He  turned  his  ashen  features  toward  her  and  hoarse- 
ly whispered  : 

"  Ye  gods !  it  is  Sir  Unconquerable !  Now  the 
end  has  arrived  and  we  shall  have  to  give  up  what  we 
have  stolen." 

"  Phewgh !  "  she  returned.  "  We  will  do  no  such 
thing.  You  were  always  a  coward,  Arrow-stand. 
Who  cares  for  Sir  Unconquerable  ?  " 

"  But,  honorable  madame,"  faltered  the  other  man, 
"  Unconquerable  is  a  perfect  demon.  Our  lives  are 
not  worth  a  cash  each." 

"  Listen,"  she  said.  "  He  does  not  know  my  face,  I 
will  go  and  entertain  him.  To-night,  when  he  is  hap- 
pily sleeping,  you  can  rid  us  of  his  troublesome 
presence." 

"  Steal  his  swords,  my  dear,"  suggested  her  husband, 
in  a  tremulous  voice.  "  We  dare  not  attack  him  while 
he  is  armed." 


Sir  Unconquerable  Performs  an  Ad  of  Justice.     133 

"  Leave  it  all  to  me,"  she  said.  "  You  become 
more  timorous  every  day.  Cease  quaking  and  look 
like  a  man.  That  old  sake  will  conquer  him  ! " 

At  the  hour  of  the  rat  (mid-night)  Sir  Unconquer- 
able saw  the  door  of  his  room  pushed  back,  and  by  the 
dim  light  from  the  corridor,  beheld  two  men  enter  the 
apartment.  In  an  instant  he  was  upon  his  feet,  and  as 
the  intruders  attacked  him  with  their  long  swords, 
seized  one  by  the  neck  and  the  other  by  the  sleeve 
and  hurled  them  to  the  floor,  then  picking  up  a  weapon, 
dropped  by  the  elder  of  the  two,  proceeded  to  demon- 
strate the  strength  of  his  arm.  The  intruders  uttered 
loud  cries,  on  hearing  which  the  landlady,  spear  in 
hand,  rushed  upon  the  scene  and  assisted  in  enter- 
taining their  guest. 

Alas  for  their  calculations !  In  a  short  time  the 
thread  of  her  existence  was  severed,  and  her  husband 
and  his  partner  were  extended  on  the  mats  in  the 
agonies  of  death. 

The  tumult  had  aroused  the  other  guests,  who 
crowded  into  the  chamber  and  demanded  the  cause  of 
the  disturbance.  Sir  Unconquerable  explained  what 
had  occurred,  and  calling  for  a  light,  observed  : 

"  Let  us  take  a  look  at  these  rascally  inn-keep- 
ers." 

A  lamp  being  brought  he  discovered  who  they  were, 
whereupon  he  sternly  exclaimed  : 

"  So,  it  is  you,  unfaithful,  disloyal  wretches.  While 
striking  in  the  dark  I  have  accomplished  an  act  of 


1 34  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

justice.     The  vengeance  of  heaven  may  be  slow  but 
it  is  sure.     Now  I  shall  sleep  comfortably." 

Thus  perished  those  contemptible  creatures,  Sir 
Arrow-stand  and  Sir  Wisteria-lake,  whose  lives,  like 
their  deaths,  were  miserable. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 
MISS  QUIET'S  DOWER. 

IN  chapter  the  sixth  I  described  how  three  ronin- 
samurai  presented  themselves  at  the  castle  of  Ako  and 
offered  their  services  to  avenge  the  death  of  Lord 
Morning-field.  Although  Sir  Big-rock  could  not  then 
avail  himself  of  their  aid,  he  determined  to  communi- 
cate with  them  later  on,  as  he  knew  they  were  men 
whose  loyalty  was  beyond  question.  A  few  days  after 
the  surrender  of  the  castle,  one  of  the  three,  Sir  Cliff- 
field  was  seized  with  a  fatal  sickness  which  confined 
him  to  his  bed.  On  finding  his  end  near  he  sent  for 
his  son,  a  youth  of  sixteen,  to  whom  he  was  tenderly 
attached.  When  the  boy  had  saluted  him,  he  grasped 
his  short  sword  in  his  right  hand  and  said  : 

"  My  son,  I  am  about  to  climb  the  Hill  of  Death  and 
shall  soon  arrive  at  the  place  where  the  three  roads 
meet.  I  do  not  desire  to  take  the  one  leading  to  the 
infernal  regions,  or  the  path  from  this  world,  preferring, 
as  I  am  a  good  Buddhist,  to  go  to  Gokuraku  (Par- 
adise). When  Sanzu-no-baba  (the  old  woman  who  is 

135 


136  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

the  toll-keeper  of  the  Sanzu-river)  comes  forward  to 
receive  my  clothes,  she  will  ask  me  why  I  bring  this 
sword  with  me.  I  have  therefore  determined  to  give 
it  to  you." 

He  paused,  through  weakness,  and  his  daughter  said : 

"My  honorable  father,  let  me  give  you  a  cup  of  tea, 
it  will  cheer  your  spirits." 

The  dying  man  waited  until  she  had  served  him, 
then  bade  her  retire  and  said  to  his  son  : 

"  This  morning  I  wras  reading  the  book  you  see  be- 
fore me.  It  is  the  history  of  Kusunoki  Masashige, 
which  you,  of  course,  know  by  heart.  I  desire  to  fol- 
low the  example  of  that  mirror  of  loyalty  and  bequeath 
a  legacy  to  you.  Soon  after  the  surrender  of  the 
castle  of  Ako,  Sir  Big-rock  privately  sent  for  me,  and 
to  my  delight  admitted  me  into  the  noble  band  of  men 
who  have  vowed  to  avenge  the  death  of  our  never-to- 
be-forgotten  chief.  The  gods  have  decreed  that  the 
thread  of  my  life  shall  soon  be  snapped.  I  charge 
you  to  take  this  sword,  the  gift  of  our  dead  chief, 
and  to  assume  the  responsibility  of  my  vow,  so  that 
my  spirit  may  pass  happily  to  a  future  state." 

He  slowly  recited  the  oath  he  had  taken,  his  boy 
repeating  the  words  after  him  and  receiving  the 
sword,  which  he  solemnly  swore  to  use  as  his  father 
directed. 

"  Farewell,  my  son,"  exclaimed  the  old  ronin. 
1  When  I  meet  our  lord  in  Paradise,  I  shall  not  be 
ashamed  to  look  upon  his  face." 


Miss  Quiet's  Dower.  137 

The  young  Sir  Cliff-field  buried  his  father,  and  after 
mourning  sixty  days,  went  to  Sir  Big-rock,  who  was 
much  moved  by  the  loyal  devotion  of  the  samurai, 
and  accepted  him  as  a  member  of  the  conspiracy. 
He  was  directed  to  assume  the  name  of  Three-help, 
and  ordered  to  Yedo,  where  he  joined  Sir  Cyprus- 
village,  who  had  opened  a  grocery  called  the  Three 
Springs,  on  a  street  not  far  from  the  residence  of  Sir 
Kira. 

Sir  Cliff-field  entered  into  business  with  the  greatest 
ardor,  and  being  very  handsome,  attracted  many  cus- 
tomers to  the  shop.  Among  these  were  the  servants 
of  Sir  Kira,  whom  he  treated  with  special  civility,  hop- 
ing thereby  to  gain  admittance  to  the  noble's  mansion. 
In  this  he  was  doomed  to  disappointment,  for,  though 
he  gave  many  bribes,  he  was  never  so  much  as  invited 
into  the  porter's  lodge. 

One  day  a  young  girl  named  Miss  Quiet,  a  nurse- 
maid in  the  service  of  Sir  Small-grove,  entered  the 
Three  Springs,  and  asked  for  a  cake  of  tofu  (bean- 
curd).  Sir  Cliff-field,  who  received  her  order,  said  in 
an  insinuating  tone  : 

"  It  is  a  shame  you  should  be  obliged  to  carry  this 
home.  Will  you  permit  me  to  take  it  for  you  ?  " 

"  You  are  too  kind,"  she  replied,  modestly  closing 
her  eyes.  "  I  am  only  a  poor  little  servant  girl." 

"  You  are  very  beautiful,"  he  whispered.  "  Do  you 
not  reside  in  the  honorable  house  of  Sir  Kira  ?  " 

She  answered  in  the  affirmative,  and  finally  accepted 


138  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

his  offer.  From  that  day  Miss  Quiet  became  a  con- 
stant visitor  at  the  store. 

Some  of  the  shop-men,  who  were  not  in  the  con- 
spiracy, wondered  how  a  good-looking  fellow  like 
Three-help  could  fall  in  love  with  such  a  homely  girl 
as  Miss  Quiet,  and  passed  many  witty  remarks  upon 
the  matter,  to  all  of  which  he  would  reply  : 

"  The  sensible  man  looks  to  the  heart.  The 
morning-glory  soon  withers." 

In  the  course  of  a  few  months  Miss  Quiet  accepted 
the  young  grocer  as  her  betrothed  and  introduced  him 
to  her  uncle,  Mr.  Plain,  a  retired  architect,  who  lived 
snugly  upon  the  earnings  of  his  younger  days,  in  a 
comfortable  house  on  Divinity  Street. 

The  girl  loved  her  affianced  very  tenderly,  yet 
never  invited  him  to  visit  her  at  her  master's  resi- 
dence, which,  being  within  the  enclosure  containing 
Sir  Kira's  mansion,  was  guarded  closely.  The  meet- 
ings of  the  lovers  always  took  place  at  her  uncle's 
home,  and  the  young  people  did  not  appear  together 
upon  the  street. 

After  awhile  Sir  Cliff-field  became  really  enamored 
with  her ;  notwithstanding  which  he  eagerly  kept  his 
eyes  and  ears  open,  and  was  as  anxious  as  ever  to 
gain  admission  to  Sir  Kira's  mansion. 

Who  can  predict  what  sort  of  chicken  will  be 
hatched  from  an  egg. 

This  samurai  who  had,  in  the  beginning,  made  cer- 
tain plans,  found  them  defeated  by  his  attachment  to 


Miss  Quiet's  Dower.  139 

this  humble  but  virtuous  girl ;  still,  in  the  end,  it  was 
through  her  he  obtained  what  he  so  greatly  de- 
sired. 

At  first  the  old  architect  treated  him  very  coolly, 
but  when  he  found  the  young  people  really  loved  each 
other,  he  gradually  took  a  liking  to  the  grocer  and 
called  him  nephew,  while  Sir  Cliff-field,  who  highly 
esteemed  the  old  man,  addressed  him  by  the  familiar 
title  of  uncle. 

One  day,  in  July,  1701*  when  the  lovers  were  pay- 
ing the  architect  a  visit,  he  produced  a  number  of 
plans,  which  he  proudly  exhibited,  saying : 
"  Let  me  show  you  some  of  my  handiwork." 
"  Excuse  me,  honorable  uncle,  I  must  go,"  said  his 
niece,  rising  and  stepping  into  the  "  mouth  of  the 
house  "  where  she  slipped  on  her  clogs.  "  Sayonara 
(farewell).  Three-help,  you  will  have  great  pleasure  in 
looking  at  those  beautiful  drawings.  You  must  not 
accompany  me,  for,  if  I  were  seen  walking  with  any 
one,  my  mistress  would  dismiss  me  from  her  service. 
In  our  house  we  have  to  be  doubly  particular.  That 
fidgety  old  Sir  Kira  suspects  everybody." 

As  soon  as  she  had  departed,  the  architect  said  : 
"  What  do  you  think  of  these  specimens  ?" 
"  You  have  wonderful  talent,  uncle.     This  must  be 
a  plan  of  a  daimids  mansion.     Have  you   designed 
many  such  ?  " 

"  Yes,  a  great  number.      I  drew   the   plan  of  Sir 
Kira's  yashiki  (mansion).     He  was  very  crotchety  and 


140  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

gave    me  lots  of  trouble.      This,"  unrolling  a   large 
paper,  "  is  what  I    did  for  him.     It  contains  more  pas- 
sages and  secret  rooms  than  a  fashionable  tea-house." 
"What  a  beautiful    piece  of  work.     How  I    envy 
you  the  ability  to  do  such  a  thing." 

"  That  is  nothing,  nephew.  I  really  ought  not  to 
keep  this,  yet  on  account  of  its  exquisite  finish,  hesi- 
tate to  destroy  it.  When  I  die  you  must  be  very  care- 
ful with  my  papers  ;  I  am  like  a  doctor,  I  know  the 
mysteries  of  many  houses." 

He  rolled  up  the  drawings  and  showed  the  young 
man  a  recess  beneath  the  tokonoma  where  he  kept  his 
treasures,  as  he  did  so,  remarking  : 

"  You,  without  doubt,  remember  how  the  Lord  of 
Ako  was  treated  by  Sir  Kira,  do  you  not,  nephew  ?  " 

"  Yes,  uncle,  I  know  something  about  the  matter ; 
will  you  kindly  give  me  the  full  particulars  ?  " 

The  old  man  related  the  story  of  the  tragedy  and 
concluded  his  narration  by  saying  : 

"  Although  I  once  had  Sir  Kira  for  a  client  I  heartily 
detest  him.  The  Lord  of  Ako  was  a  noble  man,  just 
and  humane.  I  am  amazed  that  his  retainers  have  not 
avenged  his  death.  I  know  it  is  wrong  to  talk  in  this 
manner,  still,  were  I  a  samurai,  I  would  never  rest 
until  I  had  done  my  duty." 

"  Uncle,  you  forget  the  law  forbids  men  taking 
justice  into  their  own  hands.  No  doubt  the  members 
of  the  clan  have  loyal  hearts — they  do  not  desire  to 
oppose  the  authorities." 


Miss  Quiefs  Dower.  141 

This  reply  made  the  architect  very  angry. 

"Go  to,"  he  cried.  "  Were  you  a  samurai,  you 
would  not  utter  such  words." 

"  I  am  a  samurai"  was  the  proud  response.  "  My 
true  name  is  Cliff-field." 

The  architect  leaned  back  upon  his  elbows,  and  re- 
garding his  visitor  with  amazement,  joyfully  ex- 
claimed : 

"Well  met,  Sir  Cliff-field,  I  am  Green-mountain, 
who  was  once  a  councillor  of  the  Lord  of  Tamba,  the 
bosom  friend  of  Lord  Morning-field.  Through  the 
intrigues  of  a  fellow-official,  I  lost  the  favor  of  my 
honored  chief  and  was  forced  to  become  a  ronin. 
Though  I  wear  the  garb  of  a  tradesman  I  have  the 
heart  of  a  samurai.  I  believe  I  understand  what  you 
are  doing  in  Yedo."  Taking  the  plans  from  their 
hiding  place,  he  continued :  "  Future  nephew,  here  are 
some  important  papers,  accept  them  as  the  dower  of 
my  niece." 

Sir  Cliff-field  received  the  documents  with  trembling 
hands,  and.  raising  them  to  his  forehead,  murmured  : 

"  Sir  Green-mountain,  future  uncle,  I  cannot  find 
words  with  which  to  express  my  thanks.  You  give 
your  niece  a  priceless  dower.  Up  to  this  time  the 
hearts  of  my  loyal  comrades  have  been  sorely  troub- 
led, and  we  have  hoped  against  hope.  Our  ene- 
my, strong  in  his  political  power,  guarded  like  the 
Sho-gun  himself,  has  defied  our  attempts  and  mocked 
at  our  misery.  Your  kindness  will  enable  us  to  clear 


142  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

the  stain  of  disloyalty  from  the  name  of  the  clan  of 
Ako." 

Within  ten  days  the  plan  was  delivered  into  the 
hands  of  Sir  Big-rock,  who,  after  examining  it,  ex- 
claimed : 

"  I  see  one  star  shining  through  the  darkness  of  the 
night." 


CHAPTER  XX. 

SIR   BIG-ROCK   WINNOWS   THE   RICE. 

Even  a  high  mountain  may  in  time  become  a  hillock. 
How  a  few  vows  stand  the  test  of  years." 

Upon  a  hot  day  in  August,  1701,  Sir  Big- rock  was 
seated  in  his  library,  thinking  of  the  news  he  had 
received  from  Yedo. 

"  Only  one  thing  is  now  required,"  he  said, 
thinking  aloud.  "  Kira  has  sent  away  the  guard 
furnished  by  his  son,  and  evidently  no  longer  fears 
me.  I  will  now  try  the  loyalty  of  the  conspirators, 
and  when  I  have  winnowed  the  rice,  proceed  to  Yedo 
and  carry  out  the  plan  I  have  so  long  had  in  my 
mind.  It  is  most  certain  Kira  will  never  give  us  an 
opportunity  to  attack  him  upon  the  street,  so  we  will 
storm  his  residence  and  kill  the  badger  in  his  hole. 
Had  I  not  obtained  the  plan  from  Sir  Cliff-field  we 
should  have  been  compelled  to  grope  our  way  in  the 
dark  ;  I  now  know  every  nook  and  corner  of  our 
enemy's  house  better  than  he  does." 

143 


144  TJie  Loyal  Ron  ins. 

"  Honorable  master,"  said  the  servant,  Left-six,  from 
the  passage,  "  Sir  Hatchet  and  Sir  Common  desire  to 
see  you." 

"  Admit  them." 

When  the  visitors  entered  the  room,  Sir  Big-rock 
exclaimed  : 

"  Welcome,  my  friends !  Sir  Common,  I  presume 
you  are  feeling  annoyed  because  I  defeated  you  at  our 
last  game  of  go,  and  have  come  to  wipe  out  the  stain. 
I  suppose  Sir  Hatchet  is  here  to  help  you  with  his 
suggestions." 

The  guests  knelt  quite  close  to  him,  and  Sir  Com- 
mon answered  : 

"  No,  Sir  Big-rock,  our  business  is  to  talk  about 
something  more  important.  We  are  fortunate  in 
finding  you  at  home." 

"  After  this,"  said  their  host,  "  I  shall  always  be  here. 
I  have  of  late  spent  much  foolish  money,  and  am  now 
beginning  to  feel  stingy.  Had  I  invested  all  I  have 
thrown  away,  I  should  to-day  be  a  rich  man.  Luckily 
I  have  some  few  rio  left,  which  I  intend  to  loan  upon 
collateral  security.  Do  you  notice  the  large  store- 
house I  have  built  in  the  back-yard  ?  It  is  to  hold  the 
pledges.  I  had  a  very  nice  fish  sent  me  this  morning  ; 
will  you  not  eat  some  of  it  and  drink  a  cup  of  sakt 
with  me  ?  " 

He  was  about  to  strike  his  hands  together,  in  order 
to  summon  a  servant,  when  Sir  Common  prevented 
him  and  said : 


Sir  Big -rock  Winnows  the  Rice.  145 

"  You  must  excuse  us  to-day.  Pardon  me,  Sir  Big- 
rock,  why  are  we  thus  mistrusted?  What  are  we 
to  understand  by  your  words  ?  Surely  you  do  not 
intend  that  Sir  Kira  shall  die  in  his  bed.  Are  the 
sacrifices  and  sufferings  of  the  loyal  clansmen,  of  our 
wives,  children  and  dependants  to  go  for  nothing,  like 
bubbles  that  rise  on  the  surface  of  water.  This  long 
delay  has  sorely  tried  many  of  our  number,  and  we 
fear  some  of  them  may  lose  heart,  and  when  the  time 
comes,  refuse  to  perform  their  vow.  You  must  surely 
comprehend  all  these  things.  We  have  come  to  ask 
you,  once  and  for  all,  what  is  your  determination  with 
regard  to  our  enemy." 

"  Yes,  Chief-councillor,"  said  Sir  Hatchet,  "  Sir 
Common  has  exactly  expressed  my  sentiments.  Many 
of  the  conspirators,  discouraged  by  this  long  delay, 
are  losing  their  grip." 

"  I  understand,"  calmly  answered  Sir  Big-rock.  "  In 
the  beginning,  carried  away  by  anger  and  a  desire  for 
revenge,  I  made  up  my  mind,  come  what  might,  to  at- 
tack Sir  Kira.  I  now  think  better  of  it.  All  the  re- 
ports show  any  attempt  on  our  part  would  result  in 
ignominious  defeat.  I  do  not  desire  to  become  the 
lauo-hincr-stock  of  the  world,  and  thus  bring  additional 

^  o 

disgrace  upon  the  memory  of  our  honored  lord.  Our 
best  plan  will  be  again  to  petition  the  Council  of 
Elders  to  reestablish  the  house  of  Ako.  That  is  my 
idea ;  what  do  you  think  ?  " 

Sir  Common,  who  had  listened  most  impatiently, 
angrily  replied : 


146  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

"  I  do  not  agree  with  you !  I  never  expected  to  hear 
such  words  from  the  mouth  of  Sir  Big-rock.  You 
know  full  well  the  council  has  not  the  slightest  inten- 
tion to  grant  what  you  propose.  We  have  waited 
nearly  three  years  for  them  to  move  in  the  matter,  and 
might  wait  three  hundred,  could  we  live  so  long. 
There  is  only  one  course  open  to  us,  namely,  to  take 
the  head  of  Sir  Kira,  and  thus  wipe  out  our  too  pro- 
longed disgrace." 

"  You  jump  at  conclusions,"  said  Sir  Big- rock. 
"  The  fact  of  our  having  conspired  has  reached  the  ears 
of  the  authorities  at  Yedo,  who  naturally  agree  that, 
as  long  as  we  entertain  such  feelings,  we  are  un- 
worthy to  be  restored  to  our  old  positions.  I  have 
thought  the  matter  over  and  have  resolved  to  return 
the  written  oaths  intrusted  to  my  charge.  It  would  be 
making  the  affair  too  important  were  I  specially  to 
summon  the  late  conspirators  for  that  purpose.  I  will 
therefore  give  the  papers  into  your  charge.  When 
you  come  across  our  friends,  communicate  my  ideas 
to  them,  and  return  their  pledges." 

He  then  took  a  roll  of  documents  from  his  writing- 
desk  and  held  the  package  toward  them. 

For  some  moments  the  visitors  remained  speechless 
with  indignation. 

"  Sir  Big- rock,"  cried  Sir  Common,  "  are  you  en- 
deavoring to  fathom  our  hearts  ?  I  did  not  take  that 
oath  in  jest.  If  you  mean  what  you  say,  Chief-coun- 
cillor as  you  are,  I  will  not  spare  you." 


Sir  Big-rock  Winnows  the  Rice.        '147 

Having  thus  spoken  he  grasped  the  hilt  of  his  sword 
and  impatiently  waited  for  a  reply. 

"  Sir  Common,  you  provoke  yourself  about  a  trifle. 
If  my  decision  does  not  suit  you  and  others,  follow 
your  own  judgment,  only  exclude  me  from  your  ar- 
rangements, as  I  have  a  plan  of  my  own.  All  I  ask 
you  is  to  take  charge  of  these  papers." 

"  I  will  not  accept  them,"  thundered  Sir  Common. 
"  Have  you  forgotten  the  sacred  charge  I  brought 
from  Yedo  ?  Go  to  the  temple  of  the  Snow- clad  Pine 
and  refresh  your  loyalty  by  gazing  at  the  last  gift  from 
your  lord.  If,  after  that,  you  refuse  to  keep  your  vow, 
I  will  cut  off  your  head  and  offer  it  to  the  god  of  war, 
which  act  will  show  our  fellow  conspirators  that,  at 
least,  they  have  one  man  who  is  not  afraid  to  lead 
them  !  These  are  strong  words  to  use  to  a  Chief- 
councillor,  but  this  is  no  time  for  compliments.  My 
heart  is  full  of  sorrow  for  my  dead  lord,  therefore  my 
tongue  brooks  not  the  restraint  of  ceremony.  I  will 
call  upon  you  to-morrow,  in  order  to  receive  your  re- 

ply." 

Sir  Hatchet  waited  a  few  moments,  then  interposed, 
saying : 

"  Calm  yourself,  Sir  Common.  I  begin  to  under- 
stand the  meaning  of  Sir  Big-rock's  words.  We  will 
do  as  he  desires  and  receive  the  documents." 

"  What  ?  "  cried  Sir  Common-,  trembling  with  rage. 
"  Are  you,  too,  a  coward  ?" 

"  Come,"  said  Sir  Hatchet,  grasping  his  companion 


148  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

by  the  arm  and  hurriedly  saluting  their  leader.  "  I 
will  take  charge  of  the  papers.  The  Chief-councillor 
has  determined  wisely.  We  will  retire." 

The  next  day,  while  Sir  Hatchet  was  perusing  a 
volume  of  ancient  poems,  his  daughter  came  to  him 
and  said  : 

"  Honorable  father,  there  is  a  fan-dealer  outside." 
"  Thank  you,  Plum.     I   do   not  require  any  of  his 
wares  this  morning." 

The  girl  retired,  but  presently  returned  with  a  folded 
paper  which  she  handed  to  her  parent,  who,  upon 
opening  it,  said  : 

"  My  dear  Plum,  will  you  please  send  the  gentle- 
man in  ?  " 

When  the  stranger  entered,  Sir  Hatchet  saluted 
him,  and  exclaimed  : 

"  Welcome,  Sir  Thousand- cliffs,  you  have  arrived  at 
a  most  opportune  time." 

"  Dear  me,"  cried  the  young  lady,  who  was  linger- 
ing at  the  door.  "  Honorable  sir,  can  it  be  possible 
you  are  my  cousin,  Thousand-cliffs  ?  I  did  not  know 
you.  How  completely  you  are  disguised." 

The  samurai,  who  was  dressed  in  the  humble  garb 
of  a  merchant,  deposited  his  sample  box  upon  the 
floor,  and  wiping  his  perspiring  brow,  turned  to  the 
lady  and  replied  : 

"  So  you  did  not  recognize  me,  cousin  Plum  ? 
Don't  you  think  I  make  a  good-looking  fan  mer- 
chant ?  " 


Sir  Big-rock  Winnows  the  Rice.  149 

"  You  could  not  spoil  your  handsome  features,"  she 
merrily  answered.  "  I  will  go  and  prepare  some  re- 
freshments. My  mother  and  grandmother  have  gone 
to  the  temple." 

Sir  Hatchet  waited  until  she  was  out  of  hearing, 
then  related  what  had  passed  at  the  house  of  Sir  Big- 
rock.  On  hearing  which,  Sir  Thousand-cliffs  said  : 

"  I  perfectly  understand  his  intention.  This  news  is 
indeed  delightful.  I  have  come  from  Yedo  in  order 
to  consult  with  you  about  his  eccentric  behavior. 
Now  I  comprehend  it,  and  believe  the  day  of  attack  is 
close  at  hand." 

"  That  is  also  my  opinion.  Last  night  I  argued  the 
matter  for  several  hours  with  worthy  Sir  Common, 
and  at  length  brought  him  to  reason.  How  would 
you  advise  me  to  return  these  documents  ?  " 

"  Nothing  could  be  easier,"  said  Sir  Thousand- 
cliffs.  "  You  visit  the  conspirators  who  are  in  this 
city,  and  I'll  attend  to  those  in  Yedo.  You  will  hear 
from  me  as  soon  as  possible.  When  Kira  learns  the 
oaths  have  been  returned  he  will  deem  the  league 
broken.  What  a  wonderful  man  the  Chief-councillor 
is !  I,  for  one,  though  often  feeling  despondent,  have 
never  doubted  his  wisdom  and  loyalty." 

Within  a  month  a  package  arrived  from  Yedo,  on 
receipt  of  which  Sir  Common  and  Sir  Hatchet  once 
more  visited  Sir  Big-rock,  who,  seeing  the  papers 
were  greatly  diminished  in  number,  said  : 

"These  men  can  be  trusted.     When  the  time  comes 


i5o  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

we  shall  act  as  one  person.  They,  like  refined  gold, 
have  been  thrice  tried.  Never  mind  what  may  be  the 
odds  we  will  accomplish  our  purpose.  Do  not  doubt 
me,  I  am  for  the  attack.  Now  you  know  what  is  in 
my  heart.  I  would,  however,  caution  you  about  one 
thing  ;  be  more  vigilant  than  ever.  You  remember 
the  saying  of  lyeyasu,  '  After  a  victory  knot  the  cords 
of  your  helmet." ' 

He  then  showed  his  visitors  the  plan  of  Sir  Kira's 
residence,  and  consulted  with  them. 

Sir  Hatchet  and  Sir  Common  were  so  encouraged 

o 

and  pleased,  that  they  felt  as  though  they  were  climb- 
ing up  to  heaven. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

THE   MOTHER   OF   SIR   COMMON. 

"  The  samurai  lady  has  the  soul  of  a  warrior. 
When  the  son  hesitates,  the  mother  leads." 

Sir  Big-rock  having  returned  the  written  oaths  and 
ascertained  the  intentions  of  his  followers,  felt  in  a 
position  to  execute  his  plans.  Knowing  the  clansmen 
in  Yedo  were  beginning  to  exhibit  impatience,  and 
fearing  they  might  precipitate  matters  by  ill-timed 
action,  he  determined  to  send  a  representative  to  pac- 
ify and  watch  over  them,  for  which  purpose  he  sum- 
moned Sir  Common,  whom  he  thus  addressed  : 

"I  have  been  considering  the  intelligence  brought 
from  Yedo  by  Sir  Thousand- cliffs,  and  would  much 
like  to  visit  our  comrades,  however,  at  present  that  is 
impossible ;  besides  my  appearance  among  them  would 
re-awaken  Sir  Kira's  suspicions  and  defeat  our  project. 
I,  therefore,  desire  you  will  take  my  place.  When 
can  you  be  ready  to  depart  ?  " 

Sir  Common  bowed  and  replied  : 

"  I  offer  you  my  heartfelt  thanks  for  selecting  me,  a 


1 52  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

man  of  inferior  judgment  and  little  wisdom,  to  repre- 
sent you  on  this  important  mission.  Nothing  would 
give  me  greater  pleasure  than  to  start  at  once,  but  I 
have  one  favor  to  ask.  My  aged  mother,  my  wife  and 
child  are  at  my  home  in  Middle  Village,  near  Ako.  If 
I  go  to  Yedo  now,  I  cannot  expect  to  return.  For 
this  reason  I  am  most  anxious  to  once  more  see  my 
dear  mother  and  family,  and  to  bid  them  a  last  fare- 
well. Although  I  cannot  openly  speak  the  words,  I 
can,  at  least,  do  so  mentally.  Will  it  be  possible  for 
you  to  grant  me  this  great  indulgence  ?  I  shall  only 
be  absent  one  or  two  days." 

Sir  Big-rock  nodded  and  answered  : 

"  Everybody  thinks  of  his  mother,  especially  you 
who  have  always  been  such  a  dutiful  and  affectionate 
son.  I  will  grant  your  request  with  the  greatest  pleas- 
ure. By  all  means  visit  your  home  and  do  not  be 
stingy  with  your  farewells.  A  few  days'  delay  will  be 
of  trifling  consequence,  as  Sir  Thousand-cliffs  will 
have  somewhat  quieted  the  apprehensions  of  our 
brothers  in  Yedo.  Present  my  regards  to  your  honor- 
able mother  and  family.  The  perfume  of  the  plum- 
blossom  soon  passes  away.  Make  the  most  of  the 
delightful  moments." 

The  tears  stood  in  the  eyes  of  Sir  Common  as  he 
respectfully  took  his  leave.  He  felt  that  Sir  Big- 
rock  was  allowing  him  a  happiness  he  denied  himself. 

Sir  Common  purchased  a  few  presents,  which  he 
made  into  a  bundle  to  be  carried  over  his  shoulders, 


The  Mother  of  Sir  Common.  1 5  3 

then  dressed  himself  in  his  best,  and  putting  on  his 
striped  cloth  overcoat,  proceeded  upon  his  way,  the 
journey  occupying  one  day  and  a  half.  On  nearing 
home  his  thoughts  reverted  to  the  time  of  his  pros- 
perity, when  he  was  a  great  samurai  with  an  allowance 
of  three  hundred  koku  of  rice. 

"Ah  !  "  he  exclaimed,  "  then  I  was  enabled  to  lodge 
my  mother  in  a  beautiful  residence,  now  all  I  can  afford 
is  yonder  mean  cottage.  My  breast  is  well  nigh 
closed."  (An  expression  of  suppressed  grief.) 

He  paused,  and  regarding  the  humble  abode,  the 
white  roof  of  which  could  be  seen  peeping  from  among 
the  branches  of  the  pine-trees,  dashed  the  tears  from 
his  eyes,  and  restraining  his  emotion,  assumed  an  un- 
concerned air,  murmuring  to  himself : 

"  It  will  not  do  for  my  mother  to  see  me  looking 
miserable." 

As  he  approached  the  dwelling  he  heard  his  wife, 
Mrs.  Cloth,  singing,  and  knew  by  the  sound  of  splash- 
ing water  that  she  was  washing  linen.  He  noiselessly 
advanced  from  behind  the  reed-fence,  and  halting, 
watched  her,  she  being  unaware  of  his  presence. 

Mrs.  Cloth,  who  had  her  babe  upon  her  back  and 
her  sleeves  bound  with  her  tasuke  (a  cord  carried  by 
ladies  to  loop  up  their  dresses),  was  seated  upon  a  clog 
behind  a  shallow  tub.  As  she  vigorously  rubbed  the 
garment  and  plunged  it  into  the  water,  she  talked  to 
her  child,  never  for  a  moment  imagining  he  was  fast 
asleep  and  that  his  father  was  listening  to  what  she  said. 


1 54  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

"  Yes,  my  brave  son,"  she  exclaimed,  "  have  a  little 
patience  ;  eat  heartily  and  enjoy  yourself,  so  that  when 
your  papa  returns  he  will  not  recognize  his  big,  strong 
Fusa  Bo  "  (literally  Apartment  baby). 

Mrs.  Cloth  then  sang  a  nursery  song,  and  not  hear- 
ing his  voice  in  reply ;  turned  to  look  at  him,  when  she 
beheld  Sir  Common,  whereupon  she  ceased  her  occu- 
pation and  said  : 

"  Oh,  honorable  husband,  I  am  so  glad  to  see  you ! 
Mother  has  been  feeling  very  anxious  on  your  account. 
Honorable  mother,  where  are  you  ?  My  husband  has 
come  home ! " 

Hearing  this,  Sir  Common's  mother,  who  was  over 
eighty  years  old,  advanced  to  the  window  in  the  side 
of  the  entry,  and  gazing  lovingly  at  her  son,  said  : 

"  Common,  I  am  delighted  once  more  to  behold  your 
face.  You  must  have  suffered  greatly  during  this  sea- 
son of  returning  heat  (Indian  summer).  I  pray  you 
not  to  trouble  yourself  about  saluting  me.  Lave  your 
feet  and  enter  without  ceremony." 

"  As  you  please,  honorable  mother,"  was  his  respect- 
ful answer.  "  Your  happiness  at  seeing  me  is  not 
greater  than  mine  at  beholding  you." 

He  slipped,  off  his  straw  sandals,  and  laying  aside 
his  sup-hat,  entered  the  house,  his  wife  following  with 
the  child. 

Having  prostrated  himself  and  performed  the  re- 
spectful salutation,  Sir  Common  said  : 

"  Honorable  mother,  I  have  for  a  long  time  expected 


The  Mother  of  Sir  Common.  i55 

to  come  back,  in  order  to  ascertain  the  good  or  bad 
that  has  occurred  to  you,  but  the  pressure  of  business 
has  detained  me." 

The  aged  lady  smiled  kindly  upon  him  and  re- 
plied : 

"  I  understand,  my  son.  Although  you  were  unable 
to  visit  me  you  have  written  very  frequently  from  Kioto. 
This  has  afforded  me  great  comfort.  I  have  not  seen 
you  for  six  months,  yet  cannot  observe  any  change  in 
your  appearance.  Your  presence  fills  my  heart  with 
happiness.  During  your  absence  our  good  Cloth  has 
been  most  affectionate,  and  has  proved  an  admirable 
daughter.  Look  at  our  darling  Fusa  Bo.  Has  he  not 
grown  ?  He  is  very  healthy,  and  can  almost  balance 
himself  upon  his  feet.  He  also  says  a  few  words,  and 
is  most  lovable.  See  the  pretty  fellow ;  he  is  still 
asleep,  little  thinking  his  papa  has  come  home." 

When  she  ceased  speaking,  Sir  Common's  wife  took 
up  the  current  of  the  old  lady's  thought,  and  said  : 

"  We  knew  you  would  feel  proud  of  our  boy.  A 
moment  before  you  came  he  was  talking  to  me,  not  in 
words  that  every  one  could  understand,  but  in  his  own 
baby  language.  In  an  instant,  he  was  off  to  the  dream- 
country  and  I  felt  his  soft  cheek  rest  upon  my  neck. 
Since  our  honorable  mother  loves  and  pets  him  so 
much,  he  is  always  about  her,  and,  during  the  day,  she* 
is  his  nurse  and  guardian." 

"  He  is  truly  a  fortunate  fellow,"  said  the  delighted 
father.  "  I  pray  you  not  to  disturb  him.  When  he 


1 56  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

awakens  we  will  make  each  other's  acquaintance.     Tell 
me  where  my  brother,  Total-three,  is  ?  " 

"  He  has  only  gone  to  a  neighbor's,"  said  Mrs.  Cloth, 
then,  listening  for  a  moment,  added  :  "  Here  he  comes." 

As  she  spoke  his  brother  entered,  and  saluted  Sir 
Common  with  respectful  delight. 

While  the  samurai  were  conversing,  Mrs.  Cloth, 
assisted  by  the  old  lady,  who  disliked  to  be  unoccu- 
pied, cooked  fish  and  rice  and  warmed  sakL  When 
the  baby  awoke,  the  family  sat  down  to  a  feast  and 
celebrated  the  safe  return  of  its  head,  their  happiness 
being  unmixed  and  unrestrained. 

Sir  Common  waited  until  the  smiling  face  of  his 
parent  indicated  a  good  opportunity  for  him  to  com- 
municate what  he  desired  to  say,  then  observed  : 

"  My  honorable  mother,  since  I  have  been  away 
from  you  in  Kioto,  I  have  done  my  best  to  find  some 
place  where  I  could  settle  and  repair  my  fortune. 
Luckily  I  have  met  a  certain  prince  of  the  Kuwan 
To  provinces,  who  desires  me  to  enter  his  service,  so 
I  am  about  to  go  to  Yedo.  I  have  come  hither  to  an- 
nounce this  happy  news  and  bid  you  farewell ;  I  must 
start  to-morrow  morning,  but  will  return  next  spring 
and  take  you  to  my  new  home.  Until  that  time  I  beg 
you  will  regard  my  brother,  Total-three,  as  the  head 
of  the  family,  and  remain  well  and  happy.  Brother  and 
wife,  you  now  know  my  errand.  Take  every  care  of 
our  honored  mother.  This,"  producing  a  sum  of 
money, "  will  serve  for  your  present  needs.  Remember 
our  honorable  mother  must  not  suffer  for  anything." 


The  Mother  of  Sir  Common.  iS; 

Total-three  received  the  package  and,  like  Cloth,  felt 
sad  at  the  thought  of  losing  Sir  Common  almost  as  soon 
as  they  had  recovered  him. 

"  My  honorable  brother,"  said  the  young  man,  "  rest 
assured  nothing  shall  be  lacking  on  my  part." 

"  Nor  on  mine,"  murmured  Mrs.  Cloth. 

While  they  were  speaking,  the  venerable  lady 
watched  the  face  of  her  eldest  born,  and,  correcting 
her  attitude  (assuming  a  serious  pose),  observed  : 

"  My  son,  I  am  very  happy  to  hear  you  are  going 
to  Yedo,  though  I  would,  if  possible,  like  to  know  the 
real  reason  of  your  journey." 

"  What  does  my  honored  mother  mean  ?  "  he  cried, 
affecting  amazement.  "  Have  I  not  fully  stated  my 
business  ?  " 

"  My  son,"  she  gravely  replied,  "  there  is  no  one 
here  but  our  family  and  you  can  speak  without  re- 
straint. I  presume  your  telling  us  a  certain  prince  is 
to  take  you  into  his  service  is  a  fiction,  and  am  sure 
the  real  reason  for  your  trip  to  Yedo  is  to  avenge  the 
death  of  our  lord.  Do  you  fear  to  tell  me  the  truth, 
believing  that  I,  one  in  ten  thousand,  might  prevent 
you  from  going,  or  that  my  tears  would  weaken  the 
vow  you  have  made  ?  I  comprehend  your  motive  for 
concealment,  but  you  misunderstand  me.  Woman  as 
I  am,  the  proud  mother  of  samurai,  I  will  not  give 
way  to  undisciplined  feeling.  I  conjure  you  to  speak 
out,  so  that  there  will  be  no  after  regret  concerning 
the  matter." 


1 58  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

Sir  Common,  surprised  and  delighted  that  his 
mother's  loyalty  was  as  true  as  the  needle  to  the  pole, 
was  about  to  reveal  all,  when  he  checked  himself, 
imagining,  though  she  spoke  so  bravely,  when  the 
time  came  for  her  to  say  farewell  she  would  become 
distracted  with  grief.  This  determined  him  to  continue 
his  loving  deception.  Placing  both  hands  upon  the 
floor,  he  respectfully  said  : 

"  Honorable  mother,  I  grieve  to  hear  your  suspi- 
cions, as  I  deemed  my  explanation  would  be  satisfac- 
tory. With  regard  to  avenging  the  death  of  our  hon- 
ored lord,  the  matter  is  still  undecided.  While  we 
held  the  castle  we  had  many  consultations,  and  were 
resolved  to  kill  Sir  Kira.  Since  that  time  a  great 
number  of  our  comrades  have  changed  their  minds, 
and  even  Sir  Big-rock  is  trying  to  mend  his  fortune 
by  entering  into  business.  Why  should  I  deceive  my 
honored  mother  ?  I  pray  you  to  banish  your  suspi- 
cions and  wait  until  spring,  when  I  will  return  from 
Yedo." 

While  his  tongue  uttered  these  words,  his  heart  re- 
belled against  the  deceit  he  was  practising  upon  his 
parent,  and  he  bowed  his  head  close  to  the  mat,  in  or- 
der to  hide  his  shame. 

His  mother  understood  his  feelings,  but  pretending 
not  to  do  so,  answered  : 

"  Since  you  say  so,  I  am  re-assured,  and  will  anx- 
iously wait  for  the  spring  to  come.  My  dear  son,  I 
pray  you  be  careful  of  yourself  upon  your  journey. 


The  Mother  of  Sir  Common.  i5g 

Start  at  sunrise,  do  not  travel  during  the  heated  hours 
of  noon,  and  avoid  the  evening  dews.  You  must  be 
tired.  Have  a  good  rest  to-night.  I  will  awaken 
you  early." 

He  thanked  her  for  her  minute  and  careful  concern, 
and  after  saying  good  night,  retired  to  rest. 

The  next  morning  the  old  lady  arose  before  day- 
break and  busied  herself  in  preparing  luncheon  for 
him,  making  rice  cakes  and  other  delicacies  of  which 
she  knew  he  was  very  fond. 

When  Sir  Common  came  from  his  apartment  and 
beheld  her  thus  employed,  he  endeavored  to  appear 
cheerful,  while  she  thought  to  herself : 

"  Whatever  others  may  do,  it  shall  not  be  said  that 
his  mother,  by  word  or  deed,  caused  him  to  be  untrue 
to  his  lord." 

After  the  morning  meal  had  been  eaten,  he  took  his 
little  child  upon  his  knee,  and,  gazing  lovingly  at  him, 
said  in  a  low,  tender  voice  : 

"  My  son,  your  father  is  going  upon  a  long  jour- 
ney. You  must  be  a  very  good  boy.  I  shall  often 
think  of  you  and  of  the  comfort  you  will  be  to  your 
grandmother  and  mother.  Grow  strong,  my  second 
self,  grow  strong.  Farewell — my  boy  !  " 

Thus  speaking,  he  handed  the  babe  to  his  sobbing 
wife,  who,  with  averted  face,  received  the  child,  and 
after  listening  to  her  husband's  farewell,  hurriedly  quit- 
ted the  apartment.  When  she  was  gone  and  Sir  Com- 
mon had  said  good-bye  to  his  brother,  he  prostrated 


160  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

himself  before  his  mother,  and,  in  broken  accents,  bade 
her  adieu. 

The  aged  lady  listened  with  unmoved  countenance, 
and,  counselling  him  to  remember  her  advice,  accom- 
panied him  to  the  porch  and  watched  his  depar- 
ture. 

He  last  saw  her  standing  in  the  door-way  regarding 
him  affectionately. 

Sir  Common  hastened  from  the  place,  being  desirous 
of  quickly  returning  to  his  duty,  and  thus  banishing 
the  sad  thoughts  that  filled  his  soul. 

o 

About  noon,  when  he  had  travelled  nearly  eighteen 
miles,  he  seated  himself  in  the  shade  of  a  tree  and 
opened  his  luncheon-box,  in  which  he  found  the  rice- 
cakes  and  food  prepared  by  his  mother.  Taking  a 
cake  in  his  hand,  he  reverently  lifted  it  to  his  forehead, 
then  proceeded  to  partake  of  the  repast,  at  the  con- 
clusion of  which  one  rice-cake  remained  in  the  recep- 
tacle. 

"  What  can  I  do  with  this  ?  "  he  mused.  "  If  I  keep 
it  until  night  it  will  be  spoiled  and  I  cannot  throw  away 
her  gift." 

He  glanced  about  him  and  noticed  a  pigeon's  nest 
in  the  fork  of  a  tree  above  his  head,  seeing  which  he 
placed  the  cake  in  a  suitable  spot  and  presently  had 
the  pleasure  of  beholding  the  pigeons  feed  their  brood 
with  his  offering. 

Sir  Common  watched  their  actions  with  a  dreamy 
curiosity,  his  mind  being  preoccupied  with  thoughts  of 


The  Mother  of  Sir  Common.  161 

those  who  were  far  away.  He  was  awakened  from 
his  reverie  by  the  noise  of  the  young  birds  clamoring 
for  the  food,  which  they  devoured  as  fast  as  the  old 
ones  could  procure  it,  the  parents  never  once  swallow- 
ing a  morsel.  Seeing  this,  Sir  Common  thought : 

"  Although  the  pigeon  is  a  small  bird,  its  parental 
instinct  causes  it  to  deny  itself  everything  for  its  off- 
spring. Do  human  beings  think  as  much  of  their  chil- 
dren ?  If  I  go  to  Yedo  I  shall  either  die  fighting  or 
by  hara-kiri,  and  my  life  will  be  lost  to  my  family. 
I  have,  in  bidding  farewell  to  my  mother,  been  guilty 
of  a  grave  falsehood.  When  all  is  over  and  she  be- 
comes acquainted  with  my  deceit,  she  will  most  surely 
say  :  '  Though  I  have  thought  so  much  of  my  son,  his 
affection  for  me  was  so  slight  that  he  did  not  hesitate 
to  deceive  me,'  and  will  feel  displeased  and  lament.  I 
have  made  a  great  mistake." 

These  reflections  caused  him  to  feel  very  unhappy, 
and  prevented  him  from  resuming  his  journey. 

"  I  must  return  to  her,"  he  said.  "  I  will  reveal  the 
true  motive  of  my  visit  to  Yedo  and  bid  her  farewell 
in  a  proper  manner." 

He  then  rose  and  retraced  his  steps,  reaching  home 
about  sun-set. 

Having  allayed  the  apprehensions  of  his  wife  and 
brother  by  stating  he  had  forgotten  an  important 
matter,  he  went  to  his  mother's  chamber  and  narrated 
the  circumstances  that  had  influenced  him  to  revisit 
her,  then  said  in  a  husky  voice  : 


1 62  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

"  I  thoroughly  feel  my  wickedness  in  confessing  the 
truth  at  this  late  hour.  It  is  as  you  have  suspected  ;  I  am 
going  to  Yedo  for  the  purpose  of  avenging  the  death 
of  our  honored  lord.  Sir  Big-rock  and  others  of  the 
clan  have  vowed  to  accomplish  this  act  of  duty ;  there- 
fore it  will  be  impossible  for  me  to  visit  you  again. 
You  are  my  only  parent  and  I  am  conscious  I  ought 
to  live  with  you  and  do  my  utmost  to  make  your  life 
happy,  yet  I  cannot  forget  the  grace  of  our  late  lord. 
How  am  I  to  fulfil  both  my  loyal  and  filial  duties  ?  I 
pray  you  will  put  your  ungrateful  and  unworthy  son 
out  of  your  heart." 

The  lady  listened  with  a  delighted  expression  and 
gently  replied  : 

"  You  lovingly  tried  to  conceal  the  truth  from  me, 
yet  I  was  not  for  a  moment  deceived.  Now  that  you 
have  spoken  frankly,  my  heart  is  rejoiced.  My  son, 
do  your  duty  to  our  lord.  That  is  the  first  thing  a 
samurai  should  consider.  Remember,  your  brother 
will  be  with  me  to  comfort  my  last  years.  I  am  per- 
fectly satisfied.  Even  had  I  no  other  son,  you  would 
have  to  keep  your  word  and  leave  an  untarnished 
name  to  your  child.  You  could  not,  in  any  way,  more 
perfectly  fulfil  your  obligation  to  me  than  by  acting 
thus.  Dismiss  me  from  your  thoughts  and  concen- 
trate your  whole  mind  upon  your  duty.  We  will  now 
drink  a  farewell  cup." 

She  procured  sake1  and  entertained  him,  never  by 
word  or  look  showing  the  least  indication  of  her 
grief. 


TJie  MotJier  of  Sir  Common.  163 

Sir  Common,  overjoyed  with  her  loyalty  of  spirit, 
talked  with  her  until  nearly  midnight,  when  they  re- 
tired to  their  respective  apartments. 

At  day-break  he  rose  and  waited  outside  his  mother's 
room,  knowing  it  was  her  custom  to  be  up  before  the 
rest  of  the  household.  The  hours  passed  and  the  sun 
mounted  high  into  the  heavens,  yet  there  was  no  sign 
of  her  being  awake.  His  wife  came  and  went, 
and  glanced  at  him  uneasily,  still  he  did  not  no- 
tice her  or  appear  to  observe  the  affectionate  demon- 
strations of  their  child,  who  alternately  peeped  round 
the  door-way  at  his  papa  and  clamored  for  his  grand- 
mother. 

At  the  hour  of  the  dragon  (8  A.M.),  Sir  Common, 
unable  any  longer  to  bear  the  suspense,  entered  his 
parent's  chamber,  and,  to  his  horror  and  grief,  discov- 
ered she  was  dead.  By  her  pillow  was  a  letter, 
stained  with  the  life-blood  of  the  noble  and  courageous 
lady. 

"Brother!  wife!"  he  cried,  "come  hither  and  see 
what  mother  has  done  for  my  sake ! " 

Total-three  and  Cloth  hurried  into  the  room,  and 
when  Sir  Common  had  somewhat  mastered  his  grief, 
he  reverently  opened  the  letter  and  read  : 

"  I  leave  you  a  few  words.  My  dear  son,  your  kind- 
ness and  affection  toward  me  are  beyond  my  poor  ex- 
pression. That  you  should  come  back  the  distance  of 
eighteen  miles,  thinking  of  your  mother,  is  only  a 


164  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

slight  evidence  of  your  love  for  me.  How  happy  is 
the  woman  who  possesses  such  a  son !  After  I  parted 
from  you  I  thought  over  your  position,  and  saw  that 
my  duty  is  as  clear  as  yours.  You  must  go  to  the  at- 
tack unfettered  by  any  concern  about  me.  Were 
a  thought  of  that  kind  to  enter  your  mind,  your  forti- 
tude might  forsake  you,  and  you  might  afford  the 
enemy  a  chance  to  behold  the  inside  of  your  helmet. 
I  am  old  and  my  life  "can  well  be  spared.  I  joyfully 
end  it  in  order  to  free  you  from  anxiety,  that  you  may 
die  the  death  of  a  samurai.  My  son,  I  precede  you 
to  the  land  of  shadows.  Look  upon  Sir  Kira  not  only 
as  the  enemy  of  our  honored  lord,  but  also  as  the  exe- 
cutioner of  your  mother,  and  set  an  example  of  hero- 
ism to  your  comrades.  Knowing  you  will  surely  do 
this,  I  die  contented,  and,  smiling  upon  the  knife, 
hasten  to  sever  the  thread  of  my  existence.  My  last 
farewell  to  Total-three,  to  dear  little  Fusa  Bo,  to  Cloth 
and  to  you,  my  dear  son. 

"  MOTHER." 

When  Sir  Common  had  read  this  he  cried  like 
a  child  at  the  top  of  his  voice,  after  awhile  observ- 
ing: 

"  There  are  many  sons  who  do  not  fulfil  their  filial 
duties,  but  none  so  wicked  as  I.  Had  I  foreseen  this 
I  would  not  have  returned.  Indeed,  I  have  done  the 
most  foolish  thing  imaginable.  How  can  I  ever  forget 
the  noble  example  set  me  by  my  mother !  A  thou- 


The  Mother  of  Sir  Common.  i65 

sand  times  be  accursed  the  wretch  who  caused  all  this 
misery ! " 

His  brother  and  wife  united  with  him  in  lamenting 
the  death  of  their  parent,  and  by  turns  embraced  the 
inanimate  form. 

Grief,  though  natural,  will  not  restore  the  dead  to 
life  ;  so  Sir  Common,  after  having  buried  his  mother 
with  all  honors  and  spent  fourteen  days  in  mourning 
at  her  tomb,  bade  farewell  to  his  wife,  child  and 
brother,  and,  returning  to  Kioto,  presented  himself  to 
Sir  Big-rock,  who,  saluting  him,  said  ; 

"  Well,  Sir  Common,  you  have  been  absent  longer 
than  you  promised  ;  moreover,  you  do  not  look  as 
usual.  Have  you  been  sick  ?  " 

"  No,  Sir  Big-rock,  there  is  nothing  the  matter  with 
me.  Unhappily,  I  have  lost  my  honored  mother.  I 
disregarded  the  usual  limit  of  mourning  and  returned 
as  soon  as  possible." 

"  I  regret  to  hear  of  your  bereavement.  Did  your 
honorable  mother  die  suddenly  ?  " 

Sir  Common  related  all  that  had  occurred,  even 
reading  the  letter,  which  so  moved  Sir  Big-rock  that 
the  tears  trickled  down  his  cheeks,  and  he  exclaimed  : 

"Ah!  the  loyal  heart  of  the  samurai  woman!  Your 
honored  mother  is  like  the  noble  parent  of  Sir 
Straight-grove.  Their  united  names  will  be  rever- 
ently remembered  by  posterity.  Those  courageous 
ladies  make  us  men  blush  with  shame.  I  can  well 
imagine  your  grief  and  that  of  your  family.  All  this 


1 66  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

misery  is  the  result  of  the  meanness  and  wickedness 
of  Sir  Kira — the  death  of  our  lord,  the  sufferings  of 
our  clan — how  can  I  express  myself!  The  time  of 
retribution  is  at  hand.  When  you  arrive  in  Yedo  you 
may  freely  communicate  my  plans  to  our  comrades, 
then  wait  for  the  day  when  we  shall  be  able  to  return 
the  sacred  charge  entrusted  to  me  by  our  honored 
chief." 

Sir  Common,  encouraged  by  Sir  Big-rock's  words, 
banished  his  sorrow,  and,  having  stayed  one  day  in 
Kioto,  started  for  Yedo. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

MR.   NOBLE-PLAIN. 

"  A  glittering  grain  of  gold  is  seen  amid  a  hundred  million  part- 
icles of  sand. 
The  humble  garb  of  the  peasant  often  covers  a  noble  heart." 

At  the  sign  of  the  Heaven  Stream  (milky  way)  in 
the  town  of  Sakai,  near  the  seaport  of  Osaka,  dwelt 
a  man  named  Noble-plain,  who,  during  the  lifetime  of 
Lord  Morning-field,  lived  by  supplying  the  clan  of 
Ako  with  arms  and  other  equipments.  Upon  hear- 
ing of  the  misfortune  that  had  overtaken  his  employer, 
he  hastened  to  the  castle  and  sought  an  interview 
with  Sir  Big-rock,  whom  he  thus  addressed  : 

"  Sir  Chief-councillor,  though  only  a  cJwnin  (literally 
street-people,  a  class  including  citizens,  artizans  and 
peasants),  my  heart  is  heavy  with  the  calamity  that 
has  befallen  my  gracious  patron,  and  I  desire  to  do 
something  to  prove  my  gratitude  for  the  many  kind- 
nesses I  have  received  at  his  hands.  Oh,  that  I  were 
a  samurai\  even  were  my  rations  no  more  than  a 

167 


1 68  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

handful  of  rice,  I  could  then  join  in  your  noble  en- 
terprise and  die  an  honorable  death.  As  it  is,  I  know 
not  what  to  do." 

Sir  Big-rock  listened  with  pleasure,  and  replied  : 

"  Your  generous  devotion  will  gratify  our  dead  chief. 
Be  patient  and  await  the  time  when  you  will  receive  a 
communication  from  me.  I  have  long  been  aware  of 
your  honesty  and  fidelity,  and  will  some  day  call  upon 
you  to  render  us  an  important  service." 

"  Sir  Chief-councillor,  I  am  henceforth  at  your  com- 
mand. My  fortune,  my  life, — all  I  possess  is  at  your 
disposal.  Be  it  to-morrow  or  ten  years  hence,  you 
will  find  me  in  the  same  mind.  Your  words  have 
comforted  my  heart.  I  shall  look  forward  for  the  mo- 
ment to  arrive  when  you  will  avail  yourself  of  my 
humble  aid." 

He  then  took  his  leave  and  returned  to  Sakai. 

The  years  passed,  and,  like  the  rest  of  the  world, 
Noble-plain  heard  strange  stories  concerning  the  be- 
havior of  Sir  Big-rock,  notwithstanding  which  he  was 
always  expecting  a  summons  from  the  Chief-council- 
lor. ' 

In  October,  1701,  a  few  days  after  the  departure  of 
Sir  Common  for  Yedo,  a  messenger  entered  the  mer- 
chant's store  and  said  : 

"  Are  you  Mr.  Noble-plain  ? '' 

"  That  is  my  name.     What  can  I  do  for  you  ?  " 

The  new-comer  approached  him  and  whispered  ; 

"  Would  you  like  to  earn  a  large  sum  of  money  ? 


Mr.  Noble-plain.  169 

I  perceive  your  shop  is  not  so  well  stocked  as  formerly 
and  that  you  have  only  one  assistant.  Surely  business 
must  be  very  bad  with  you  ?  " 

The  proprietor  sighed  and  answered  : 

"  Since  the  death  of  my  noble  patron  my  affairs  have 
become  all  of  a  heap.  I  shall  be  most  happy  to  better 
my  condition." 

"That  is  good.  The  service  I  require  is  a  very  easy 
one.  You  have  heard  of  Sir  Kira,  late  master  of 
ceremonies  to  the  Sho-gun.  He  wishes  you  to  supply 
him  with  some  arms." 

Noble-plain's  eyes  flashed  and  he  ground  his  teeth 
with  rage,  then  exclaimed  : 

"  You  dog !  how  dare  you  propose  such  a  thing  to 
me.  Quit  this  place  or  I  will  kick  you  out." 

The  stranger,  instead  of  complying  with  this  com- 
mand, drew  a  letter  from  his  bosom  and  handed  it  to 
the  merchant,  saying : 

"  Before  I  go,  I  desire  you  will  read  this." 

Noble-plain  glanced  at  the  superscription  and  saw 
that  the  communication  was  from  Yamashina,  and  the 
bearer  was  designated  as  Temple-cliff.  He  opened 
the  note  and  read  as  follows  : 

"  An  old  employer  desires  to  see  you  at  your  ear- 
liest convenience.  He  is  about  to  engage  in  business, 
and  wishes  to  give  you  a  little  commission. 

"  PEACEFUL-VALLEY, 

"  of  Yamashina." 


170  TJie  Loyal  Ronins. 

The  overjoyed  merchant  prostrated  himself  before 
the  messenger,  and,  after  returning  thanks,  invited  him 
to  enter  his  private  apartment,  where  he  regaled  him 
with  sakt  and  fish." 

That  night  the  two  men  started  for  Yamashina,  and 
on  the  following  morning  Noble-plain  presented  him- 
self to  Sir  Big-rock,  who  said  : 

"  You  must  excuse  the  trick  played  by  Temple- 
cliff.  I  am  compelled  to  test  even  those  whom  I 
deem  most  faithful.  I  hear  you  are  very  poor,  there- 
fore am  rejoiced  to  know,  though  you  have  lost  your 
fortune,  you  still  remember  the  goodness  of  your  late 
patron." 

"  Sir  Chief-councillor,"  replied  the  merchant,  "  it  is 
true  I  have  but  little  left,  still  what  there  is,  is  at  your 
service." 

Sir  Big-rock  produced  a  paper  which  he  handed 
him,  saying  : 

"  Enclosed  you  will  find  a  list  of  certain  articles  I 
require  delivered  to  the  care  of  the  chief-priest  of  the 
Spring-hill  Temple  in  the  High-rope  district  of  Yedo. 
I  wish  you  to  attend  to  this  matter  at  once,  and  will 
leave  the  details  to  your  judgment ;  merely  remarking 
that  absolute  secrecy  must  be  observed  in  the  matter." 

Noble-plain  opened  the  document,  and  after  scan- 
ning it,  said  : 

"  I  understand  what  you  want  and  will  have  every- 
thing at  the  place  you  mention  before  the  snow  begins 
to  fly.  The  uniforms  I  will  procure  in  Yedo,  also  the 


Mr.  Noble-plain.  171 

bamboo  pins  and  pocket  writing  materials.  I  will  start 
at  once  and  you  may  rely  upon  your  secret  being  well 
kept.  Sir  Chief-councillor,  I  am  overjoyed  at  receiving 
this  commission  ;  I  feel  as  though  I  were  walking  upon 
the  air." 

"  With  regard  to  funds,"  said  Sir  Big-rock, — 

"  I  shall  sell  my  stock  and  business,"  replied  the 
merchant.  "  Have  no  apprehension  on  the  score  of 
money,  I  will  attend  to  that." 

Sir  Big-rock  sent  for  a  package  which  he  gave  to 
the  man ;  remarking  as  he  did  so  : 

"  Here  are  two  hundred  rio  ;  if  this  sum  be  insuffi- 
cient, call  upon  Sir  Common,  who  is  living  at  the 
Three-springs  grocery  store,  near  the  residence  of  Sir 
Kira,  in  Yedo.  He  will  hand  you  any  further  funds 
you  may  require." 

Noble-plain  took  his  leave,  and  returning  to  his 
home,  informed  his  wife  that  he  was  going  to  the  prov- 
ince of  Bingo,  then  secretly  set  out  post-haste  for 
Yedo. 

A  few  days  after  the  merchant's  departure,  Sir  Big- 
rock  received  the  following  communication  from  the 
capital  : 

"  The  late  beautiful  weather  has  been  very  favorable 
for  eeling  and  the  Associated  Anglers  have  been  out 
early  and  late.  Yesterday  we  tried  our  fortune  in  the 
old  stream,  containing  the  big  eel.  Although  we 
searched  every  nook  and  corner  we  failed  to  get  sight 


172  TJie  Loyal  Ronins. 

of  him.  At  last,  toward  the  evening,  we  learned  that 
he  had  quitted  his  usual  retreat  and  taken  refuge  be- 
neath the  shade  of  a  tall  cedar.  You  remember  the 
saying  of  Confucius  :  '  It  is  foolish  to  go  to  a  tree  in 
order  to  catch  fish.'  This  case  will  prove  an  exception 
to  the  rule.  Your  experience  as  an  angler  will  en- 
able you  to  suggest  some  means  by  which  we  can  se- 
cure the  monster. 

"  ASSOCIATED  ANGLERS." 

After  Sir  Big- rock  had  read  this,  he  laughed  to  him- 
self and  exclaimed  : 

"  So,  Sir  Kira  has  left  his  house  and  sought  refuge 
with  his  son  Lord  Upper-cedar.  When  I  join  the  As- 
siated  Anglers  we  will  capture  that  slippery  eel." 


CHAPTER   XXIII. 

SIR   BIG-ROCK  DEPARTS   FOR  YEDO. 

Among  the  celebrated  ladies  of  the  clan  of  Ako 
was  Mrs.  Brilliant,  wife  of  Sir  Hatchet,  who,  like  him, 
was  a  poet,  and  wrote  many  verses  that  have  been 
preserved  to  this  day.  She  was  famous  for  her  vir- 
tues, wisdom  and  talents,  and  possessed  a  noble  and 
loyal  soul.  Gentle  in  manner,  obedient  to  her  husband, 
and  kind  to  her  mother-in-law,  she  not  only  man- 
aged her  household  affairs  with  consummate  ability, 
but  found  time  to  continue  her  studies  in  Japanese 
and  Chinese  literature,  in  addition  to  which  her  whole 
heart  was  in  the  conspiracy,  and  she  made  her  house 
the  rendezvous  of  the  loyal  leaguers. 

During  the  lifetime  of  Lord  Morning- field,  Sir 
Hatchet  was  the  governor  of  his  chiefs  residence  in 
Kioto,  and  after  the  noble's  death,  the  poet  continued 
to  reside  in  that  city,  where  he  earned  his  living  by  in- 
structing pupils  in  the  art  of  composing  elegant 
stanzas. 

Toward  the  end  of  October,  when  the  tempests  had 

173 


174  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

stripped  the  autumnal  garb  from  the  trees,  an  epi- 
demic appeared  in  Kioto,  and  among  its  first  victims 
were  the  mother  of  Sir  Hatchet,  and  his  daughter, 
Miss  Plum.  While  the  sleeves  of  the  mourners  were 
yet  wet  with  tears,  Sir  Hatchet  was  instructed  to  de- 
part for  Yedo.  Mrs.  Brilliant  received  the  news  with 
heroic  fortitude,  and  bade  adieu  to  her  husband  as 
though  he  was  going  to  a  festival,  congratulating  him 
that  he  would  soon  accomplish  what  they  both  so 
greatly  desired. 

Brave  and  wise  woman,  where  can  we  find  her 
equal  ? 

Sir  Hatchet  was  accompanied  by  Sir  Big-rock,  Jr., 
and,  in  order  to  deceive  their  enemies,  they  left  Kioto 
under  the  pretence  of  making  a  pilgrimage  to  the 
shrine  of  the  goddess  Amaterasu  Omi-kami,  in  the 
province  of  Ise  (the  Mecca  of  believers  in  the  Shinto 
faith). 

On  their  way  the  poet  delighted  his  companion  by 
describing  the  objects  and  places  of  historic  interest, 
which  he  made  the  subjects  of  impromptu  verses. 

After  crossing  a  river,  that  in  the  morning  sun  sent 
up  a  heavy  mist,  he  observed  : 

"  As  I  emerge  from  the  Kamo,  I  take  with  me  the 
vapor  of  the  stream." 

At  Shiga,  he  said  : 

"  Lonely  and  cold  stands  the  solitary  pine-tree  on 
the  shore  of  Shiga. 

"  So  lives  a  person  (meaning  his  wife)  at  home." 


Sir  Big -rock  Departs  for  Yedo.  i?5 

These  poems  showed  the  young  man,  that  while  Sir 
Hatchet  was  apparently  unconcerned,  he  was  thinking 
of  the  beloved  one  whom  he  had  left  in  Kioto. 

When  the  travelers  reached  the  town  of  Kanagawa, 
they  halted  for  a  day  to  celebrate  the  majority  of  Sir 
Big-rock,  Jr.,  who,  that  morning,  had  his  forelock 
shaven,  and  received  the  military  name  of  Good-gold. 

Upon  the  following  day,  as  they  were  proceeding 
on  their  journey,  the  fog  that  had  for  the  previous 
twenty- four  hours  enveloped  Fuji-yama,  suddenly 
lifted,  noticing  which,  Sir  Hatchet  looked  across  the 
glittering  water  upon  his  right,  and  said  : 

"  I  see,  reflected  upon  the  bosom  of  the  bay,  the 
snow-clad  peak  of  Fuji-san." 

His  companion,  hearing  this,  turned,  and  glancing  at 
the  mountain,  joyfully  exclaimed  : 

"  Oh,  happy  omen !  Fuji-yama  salutes  me  on  attain- 
ing my  majority!  May  it  thus  greet  me  upon  the 
morning  of  my  accomplishing  the  desire  of  my 
heart!" 

Toward  evening  they  arrived  at  their  destination, 
and  were  warmly  welcomed  by  thejr  fellow  conspira- 
tors. From  that  time  Sir  Big-rock,  Jr.  assumed  a 
position  of  responsibility,  and  assisted  in  the  task  of 
watching  the  enemy. 

Soon  after  Sir  Hatchet  and  his  companion  departed 
for  Yedo,  Sir  Big-rock  began  to  examine  his  papers  and 
arrange  them  in  order,  like  one  who  prepares  for  death. 
When  he  had  completed  this  task,  his  maid-servant, 


1 76  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

Carnation,  entered  the  room,  bringing  a  cup  of  tea, 
which  she  presented  to  him,  remarking  : 

"  Honorable  master,  you  have  not  taken  any  re- 
freshment to-day.  I  beseech  you  to  drink  this." 

He  drained  the  vessel  and  gave  it  back ;  then,  as 
she  turned  to  depart,  called  to  her,  saying  : 

"  Carnation,  I  am  growing  tired  of  this  lonely  life, 
and  am  about  to  go  upon  a  journey  which  will  occupy 
me  until  the  end  of  the  year.  Here  are  your  wages, 
and  money  to  cover  the  house  expenses  while  I  am 
absent.  Have  everything  in  readiness,  so  that  if  I  re- 
turn suddenly  I  may  not  be  annoyed  by  finding  the 
place  in  disorder.  It  is  possible  my  son  may  come 
back  before  me  and  bring  some  friends  with  him." 

The  girl  listened  attentively  to  his  instructions,  and 
bowing,  said  . 

"  Honorable  master,  everything  shall  be  done  as 
you  command.  Will  you,  before  leaving,  kindly  speak 
to  Mr.  Left-six  and  Mr.  Happy-seven,  who  annoy  me 
with  their  attentions  ?  " 

Her  employer  smiled,  and  regarding  her,  replied  : 

"  Have  no  fear,-  Carnation,  I  intend  to  take  those 
men  with  me.  The  only  person  who  will  remain  with 
you  will  be  old  Grandson-left-gate-keeper." 

The  overjoyed  girl  retired,  and  Sir  Big-rock  pres- 
ently heard  her  informing  the  aged  servant  of  his  de- 
termination. In  a  few  moments  Grandson-lelt-gate- 
keeper  appeared  in  the  doorway,  and  prostrating  him- 
self, said  in  a  troubled  voice  : 


Sir  Big -rock  Departs  for  Yedo.  177 

"  Honorable  master,  is  it  true  you  have  decided  that 
I  shall  not  accompany  you  ?  " 

"Yes,"  was  the  reply.  "  I  require  a  responsible 
person  here  to  receive  any  of  my  friends  who  may 
call.  You  will,  in  my  absence,  take  charge  of  the 
house." 

This  delighted  the  old  man,  who  saluted  his  master, 
and  retired  with  an  important  air. 

That  evening  Sir  Big-rock  proceeded  to  the  temple 
of  the  Snow-clad  Pine,  and  received  the  sambo  and 
white-wood  box. 

Early  the  next  morning,  the  neighbors  saw  the  Chief- 
councillor  and  his  two  servants  quit  the  house,  behind 
them  being  a  hired  coolie  laden  with  their  baggage. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 
SIR  HATCHET'S  LETTER  TO  HIS  WIFE. 

"  I  met  my  love  and  talked  with  her  until  the  moment  of  parting. 
No  sooner  had  I  quitted  her  presence  than  I  remembered  a 
thousand  things  I  had  left  unsaid." 

One  night  toward  the  end  of  December,  1701,  the 
wife  of  Sir  Hatchet  received  a  package  from  her  hus- 
band, and  upon  opening  it,  discovered  a  box,  some 
poems,  and  a  letter.  Proceeding  to  her  room,  she 
lighted  the  lamp  in  a  tall  lantern,  and  kneeling  upon 
the  matted  floor,  spread  the  epistle  before  her,  then 
clasping  her  hands,  regarded  the  characters  and  ex- 
claimed : 

"  When  I  see  the  writing  of  my  husband,  my  tears 
fall  like  a  shower.  Even  in  the  midst  of  his  anxiety  he 
remembers  me." 

After  she  became  somewhat  composed  she  read  the 
communication,  which  was  as  follows  : 

"  I  send  you  a  few  lines.  I  have  not  heard  from 
you  since  I  left  home,  and  in  consequence  feel  very 
unhappy.  Rest  assured  I  am  quite  well. 

178 


Sir  Hatchet's  Letter  to  His  Wife.  179 

"  I  said  you  might  begin  to  write  about  five  days 
after  my  departure,  and  thinking  there  might  be  a 
letter  from  you  at  the  address  I  named,  yesterday 
made  inquiry,  but  found  none  had  arrived.  Are  you 
still  at  our  home  ?  If  you ,  are  lonely,  why  not  take 
some  one  to  live  with  you  or  go  to  reside  with  a  friend? 
Oh !  how  I  pity  you,  knowing  you  must  miss  the  beau- 
tiful objects  of  art  and  the  furniture  to  which  you  have 
been  so  long  accustomed  and  which  you  sold  to  defray 
my  expenses  hither!  You  must  feel  in  the  absence  of 
those  things  as  though  the  house  had  grown  larger. 
I  dare  say  you  also  miss  the  many  callers  who  visited 
us  when  we  were  together.  I  fancy  I  can  see  you  sit- 
ting lonely  and  comfortless.  I  pray  you  will  endeavor 
to  conquer  your  grief,  as  I  am  trying  to  do  mine. 

"  Has  Wisteria-three  returned  the  money  I  loaned 
him  ?  You  had  better  urge  him  to  do  this.  I  hope 
Wisteria- help  has  paid  the  principal  and.  interest  due 
me.  Be  careful  not  to  be  cheated  or  robbed. 

"  Yesterday,  the  first  monthly  anniversary  of  our 
mother's  death,  I  felt  very  sad,  not  being  able  to  visit 
her  tomb,  so,  in  order  to  disperse  my  melancholy, 
called  upon  our  adopted  son,  who  gave  me  some  good 
sake,  and  comforted  me  by  saying  you  would  do  every- 
thing necessary  and  pay  the  priests  for  praying  for 
the  repose  of  our  dear  parent's  soul. 

"  I  resume  my  pen  to-day,  the  29th  November,  hav- 
ing written  the  foregoing  whenever  I  had  a  few  mo- 
ments to  spare. 


180  Tfo  Loyal  Ronins. 

"  Last  night  I  received  your  letters  of  the  i5th  and 
1 6th  inst.,  which  gave  me  great  happiness.  I  seemed, 
while  perusing  them,  to  be  talking  with  you,  and  read 
them  slowly,  so  as  to  get  the  full  sense  of  every 
word. 

"  You  say  you  still  have  the  pain  in  your  left  ribs  ; 
that  you  cannot  sleep  on  that  side  ;  also  that  your 
pulse  is  weak.  You  have  done  well  to  consult  Dr. 
Village -cottage.  Remembering  what  you  have  suf- 
fered, I  am  not  surprised  you  are  sick.  Sorrow  always 
produces  diseases  of  the  body.  You  must  not  allow 
yourself  to  grieve  so  much  ;  you  are  friendless  enough, 
and  it  is  important  you  should  take  care  of  your  health. 
Your  answer  to  Wisteria-help,  the  district  registrar, 
was  perfectly  correct.  If  he  troubles  you  with  further 
enquiry,  tell  him  to  wait  until  the  end  of  the  year, 
when  he  will  hear  from  me.  I  am  not  astonished  there 
are  many  rumors  with  regard  to  Sir  Big-rock,  and  it 
pleases  me  to  hear  none  of  the  people  suspect  the 
truth. 

"  I  am  glad  you  visited  the  tomb  of  our  mother 
and  distributed  the  alms  ;  also  that  the  tomb-stone  was 
finished  and  placed  in  position,  and  the  stone-cutter's 
bill  was  so  reasonable. 

"  Although  our  separation  is  the  result  of  a  determi- 
nation made  long  ago,  yet  we  both  sorely  feel  the  sad- 
ness it  has  brought  about.  You  say,  during  the  day 
your  occupation  prevents  you  from  dwelling  too  much 
upon  your  misery,  yet  when  night  comes  you  cannot 


Sir  Hatchet's  Letter  to  His  Wife.  181 

sleep  from  thinking  of  me.  My  poor,  dear  wife,  I  feel 
the  same  as  you  do.  The  saying,  '  Not  seeing  is  for- 
getting,' does  not  apply  either  to  you  or  me.  As  the 
days  pass,  the  greater  grows  our  sorrow ;  still,  if  we 
reason  correctly,  we  will  find  each  misfortune  is  a  step 
toward  the  attainment  of  wisdom.  You  already  know 
these  things,  yet,  by  reflecting  upon  them,  will  gradu- 
ally learn  the  philosophy  of  human  life,  and  thus  soothe 
your  sorrow.  Our  duty  is  not  to  lament  over  what  is 
irreparable,  but  to  bear  the  misfortunes  inflicted  upon 
us  by  the  gods  ;  yet,  my  dear  wife,  I  pity  you. 

"  You  tell  me  you  are  pleased  with  my  poems,  es- 
pecially that  upon  the  Osaka  Pass.  I  greatly  admire 
those  enclosed  in  your  letters.  By  the  way,  I  hope 
you  will  not  give  up  composing  verses,  but  will  write 
one  whenever  you  have  a  spare  moment  and  send  it 
to  me.  During  my  journey  hither,  I  had  little  to  dis- 
turb my  mind  and  could  think  about  verse-making ; 
however,  since  my  arrival  here,  I  have  been  sur- 
rounded by  visitors  and  have  had  little  time  for  corre- 
spondence. 

"  I  am  sorry  to  tell  you  bad  news.  The  fact  is,  Sir 
Kira  is  hiding  somewhere,  and,  like  a  badger,  does 
not  give  any  sign  of  his  whereabouts.  I  hope,  now 
that  every  arrangement  has  been  made,  our  enemy 
will  not  slip  through  our  fingers. 

The  younger  members  of  our  party  are  full  of  cour- 


1 82  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

age.  Sir  Lucky-field,  Sir  Common,  Sir  Unconquer- 
able, Sir  Early-crop  and  myself  being  the  seniors, 
are  in  hourly  consultation  and  arrange  everything  for 
the  others.  Yesterday  the  theatres  opened  for  the 
winter  season,  and  the  boys,  including  our  son,  took  a 
holiday  and  went  to  witness  the  performances.  We 
live  in  bachelor  style,  the  juniors  doing  the  house-work 
and  waiting  upon  us  at  meals.  They  treat  us  very 
kindly.  We  all  have  nick- names.  They  call  me 
1  doctor,'  saying  I  have  a  forelock  growing  like  a  phys- 
ician's. The  sleeves  and  linings  of  my  clothes  are  begin- 
ning to  wear,  but,  remembering  I  shall  only  be  here  for 
a  little  while  longer,  I  have  let  them  go.  To-day  our 
son,  noticing  a  large  rent  in  my  coat,  insisted  upon 
sewing  it  up,  and  I  allowed  him  to  have  his  way. 
During  the  night  I  put  on  all  my  garments,  as  it  is 
very  cold  here.  You  said  I  had  better  take  another 
suit  with  me,  I  am  exceedingly  sorry  I  did  not  follow 
your  advice. 

"  Yesterday  I  went  to  a  store  to  buy  some  geese, 
and  seeing  they  were  very  nice  and  reasonable  in 
price,  bought  an  extra  one,  which  I  have  had  boned 
and  salted.  You  will  receive  it  in  a  box  with  this 
letter.  There  is  no  necessity  for  you  to  soak  it,  as 
it  is  only  slightly  corned.  Make  it  into  soup,  and 
when  Dr.  Valley-cottage  calls,  give  him  some  of  it 
with  sakl. 


Sir  Hatchet's  Letter  to  His   Wife.  183 

"  Since  writing  the  above  I  have  removed  to  the 
house  of  Big-rock  Jr.,  which  is  some  distance  from 
where  our  son  is  staying. 

"  Remember,  my  beloved  wife,  I  am  well  in  health, 
so  try  to  comfort  yourselt.  You  may  at  any  moment 
receive  the  welcome  news. 

"  I  have  written  this  letter  under  circumstances  of 
great  difficulty.  You  will  hear  from  me  up  to  the 
last  moment. 

"  November  the  3Oth, 

"  To  my  dear  Brilliant, 

"  HATCHET." 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

THE  MEETING  IN  THE  SPRING-HILL  TEMPLE. 

"  Our  most  fervent  vows  of  vengence  are  made  in  the  peaceful 
abodes  of  the  gods." 

The  leaguers  knew  Sir  Big-rock  was  in  Yedo,  but 
few  of  them  saw  him,  though  all  felt  the  power  of  his 
presence.  From  the  first  to  the  tenth  of  December, 
everyone  was  actively  employed  in  endeavoring  to  dis- 
cover the  whereabouts  of  Sir  Kira,  spite  of  which  they 
were  unsuccessful,  their  enemy  having  vanished  like  a 
cloud.  They  haunted  the  vicinity  of  his  son's  resi- 
dence and  even  penetrated  into  the  mansion,  yet  all 
they  could  learn  was  that  he  had  quitted  the  place  for 
parts  unknown.  The  younger  of  the  conspirators  be- 
came greatly  excited,  finding  which  Sir  Big-rock  sum- 
moned them  to  meet  him  in  the  Spring-hill  Temple. 

.At  the  hour  of  the  Fox  (10  P.M.)  on  the  nth  of  De- 
cember, a  number  of  men  stealthily  approached  the 
sacred  building,  and  by  midnight  the  leaguers  were  all 
assembled  in  a  large  apartment  behind  the  main  altar. 
The  priests  guarded  every  entrance  and  took  care  that 

184 


The  Meeting  in  the  Spring-hill  Temple.      i85 

no  one  should  surprise  their  visitors.  A  dead  silence 
reigned  in  the  dimly-lighted  hall,  and  the  conspirators, 
who  knelt  in  two  rows,  eagerly  awaited  the  arrival  of 
their  chief.  As  the  midnight  hour  was  struck  upon 
the  great  bell,  Sir  Big-rock  slowly  entered  the  hall.  In 
his  hands  he  bore  the  sambo  and  white  pine  box,  which, 
having  placed  upon  the  tokonoma,  he  respectfully  sa- 
luted. After  returning  the  bows  of  his  comrades,  he 
directed  Sir  Common  to  call  the  roll. 

Forty-seven  ronins  answered  "  Here." 

The  flickering,  red  light  of  the  candles  feebly  illu- 
minated the  apartment,  and  little  could  be  seen  save 
the  pale  faces  of  the  clansmen,  who,  advancing  close 
to  their  leader,  crouched  in  a  semicircle  about  the 
sambo,  the  contents  of  which  were  unknown  to  most  of 
them. 

Sir  Big-rock  remained  for  a  moment  with  his  head 
bowed,  as  though  in  deep  thought,  then,  gazing  upon 
them,  said  : 

"  Brothers,  three  years  ago  our  beloved  lord  com- 
mitted this  legacy  to  my  charge.  Since  that  time 
some  of  his  followers  have  proved  faithless  to  their 
plighted  words  ;  those  we  leave  to  the  vengeance  of 
the  gods  and  the  contempt  of  their  fellow-men.  We, 
who  are  here  assembled,  have  been  thrice  tried  and 
I  have  waited  patiently,  bearing  everything  that  we 
might  some  day  be  in  a  position  to  perform  our  too- 
long  deferred  duty.  Our  enemy,  powerful  and  vigi- 
lant, had  to  be  deceived  into  believing  that  we  were 


1 86  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

disloyal  and  many  things  had  to  be  done  ere  we  were 
prepared  to  strike  the  blow.  I  yesterday  received  in- 
formation that  Sir  Kira,  disbelieving  in  our  devotion 
to  our  honored  chief,  is  about  to  return  to  his  home, 
and  that  on  the  anniversary  of  the  death  of  our  be- 
loved lord  he  will  give  a  feast  to  his  friends.  On  that 
night  he  shall  cease  to  live.  We  care  not  how  closely 
he  may  be  guarded.  Be  there  ten  thousand  men  at 
his  command,  we  will  cut  our  way  through  them  and 
accomplish  our  aim." 

This  speech  was  received  with  murmurs  of  approval, 
the  conspirators  grasping  the  hilts  of  their  swords,  as 
though  eager  to  attack  their  enemy. 

Sir  Big-rock  removed  the  lid  of  the  box,  and  took 
from  it  a  package  wrapped  in  a  purple  cloth.  After 
raising  this  to  his  forehead,  he  opened  the  folds  and 
revealed  a  blood-stained  dirk,  exclaiming  as  he  exhib- 
ited it  to  the  assembly : 

"  This  is  the  weapon  that  shall  end  Sir  Kira's  life. 
I  swear  by  the  hundred  million  gods  never  to  leave 
his  residence  until  our  duty  is  performed." 

The  conspirators,  aroused  to  frenzy  by  his  words, 
pressed  forward,  and  reverently  touching  the  dirk, 
joined  in  his  vow  ;  then,  after  receiving  instructions  as 
to  their  places  of  rendezvous  on  the  night  of  the  Hth, 
silently  departed  to  their  lodgings,  leaving  him  kneel- 
ing, and  regarding  the  legacy  of  his  chief,  in  which  at- 
titude he  remained  till  daybreak. 

Before  quitting  the  temple   he   gave    audience  to 


The  Meeting  in  the  Spring -hill  Temple.       187 

Noble- plain,  the  contractor,  and  inspected  the  uniforms 
and  accoutrements  provided  by  the  latter,  and  that 
done,  retired  to  his  lodging  in  a  house  opposite  the 
residence  of  Sir  Kira. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

SIR   SHELL  AND   HIS   FAMILY. 

"  At  the  call  of  duty,  the  samurai  bids  farewell  to 
those  who  are  dear  to  him. 

"  Though  the  face  be  calm  and  resolute,  the  heart  may 
be  surcharged  with  sorrow." 

"  My  dear  husband,  are  you  going  to  Original-vil- 
lage to-day  ?  " 

44  Yes,  my  love,  it  will  never  do  for  me  to  remain 
idle.  If  I  were  to  die  suddenly  and  we  had  nothing 
laid  by,  how  you  would  suffer." 

The  speakers  were  Sir  Shell  and  his  wife,  Mrs. 
Home,  who  had  been  married  nearly  three  years.  In 
the  ardor  of  his  wooing  he  had  not  reflected  upon  the 
consequences  of  tying  the  thread  of  love  ;  however, 
after  their  union,  when  he  had  time  for  reflection,  he 
thought : 

"  I  know  I  have  acted  indiscreetly,  still  what  could  I 
do  ?  I  tenderly  love  my  wife,  yet  cannot  prove  faith- 
less to  my  lord,  and  when  the  time  comes,  must  tear 
myself  away.  The  past  cannot  be  recalled.  Home  is 

188 


Sir  Shell  and  his  Family.  189 

young  and  attractive,  and  will,  I  hope,  find  some  one 
to  console  her  for  my  loss." 

This  comforted  him  until  their  son  was  born,  when 
he  discovered  the  grievousness  of  his  mistake  and  found 
he  had  two  helpless  beings  dependent  on  him.  Thus, 
while  the  advent  of  the  babe  was  a  source  of  great 
happiness  to  the  mother,  the  sight  of  the  little  one 
filled  the  father's  heart  with  pity  and  sorrow,  and  he 
secretly  reproached  himself  with  being  the  cause  of  the 
misery  he  knew  must  soon  overtake  them. 

On  the  morning  of  the  i2th  of  December,  when  Sir 
Shell  was  proceeding  home  from  the  Spring-hill  Tem- 
ple, he  determined  to  inform  his  wife  of  their  approach- 
ing separation.  Upon  beholding  her,  his  courage 
failed,  so,  after  eating  his  breakfast,  he  went  out  for 
the  day  to  watch  the  residence  of  Sir  Kira. 

As  he  quitted  the  house,  his  wife  thought  to  her- 
self: 

"  What  is  the  trouble  that  has  come  upon  my  hus- 
band ?  He  goes  out  late  in  the  evening  and  returns 
at  all  hours,  and  is  often  moody  and  thoughtful.  I 
wonder  whether  I  have  done  anything  to  make  him  so 
unhappy?  Even  the  smiles  of  our  little  one  have 
ceased  to  attract  his  attention." 

That  evening  after  sunset,  Mrs.  Home  lighted  the 
charcoal  in  the  fire-bowl,  and  seating  herself  near  her 
work-box,  began  to  sew  upon  a  garment  for  her  hus- 
band. Her  babe,  Also-five-boy,  was  sleeping  peace- 
fully on  a  rug  by  her  side,  with  his  arms  extended  and 


190  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

his  head  resting  on  a  cushion,  near  him  being  his  toys, 
—a  mottled  dog,  a  rattle,  and  a  rag  doll.  While  she 
was  thus  employed,  Sir  Shell  entered,  and  after  depos- 
iting his  sword  in  the  katana-kake  (sword-rack),  seated 
himself  by  the  fire-bowl,  and  having  lighted  his  pipe, 
said  : 

"  Dear  Home,  there  is  something  I  have  long  de- 
sired to  tell  you." 

"  What  is  it  ?  "  she  enquired,  glancing  anxiously  at 
him. 

He  thought  for  awhile  and  replied  : 

"  It  is  necessary  I  should  go  upon  a  long  journey.  I 
may  have  to  start  very  soon." 

"My  dear  husband,  I  am  ready  to  accompany  you 
at  any  moment.  Also-five-boy  is  now  old  enough  to 
travel  and  will  not  be  any  trouble.  Really,  the  news 
delights  me.  I  hope  we  are  going  to  Ako,  as  I  would 
like  to  visit  your  native  place." 

Sir  Shell  laid  down  his  pipe,  and  folding  his  arms, 
said  in  a  gentle  voice  : 

"  My  dear  Home,  I  am  not  going  to  Ako.  The 
journey  I  am  about  to  make  is  not  a  matter  of  one  or 
two  hundred  miles,  but  a  long  and  tiresome  one,  and 
there  are  many  perils  to  be  encountered  on  the  road. 
Indeed,  I  may  never  return  alive." 

"  Still  I  would  prefer  to  accompany  you,"  she 
pleaded. 

"  That  will  be  impossible,"  he  said.  "  I  have 
thought  it  all  over  and  decided  it  is  best  for  you  and 


Sir  SJtell  and  his  Family.  191 

our  son  to  remain  here.  -  Surely  you  do  not  desire  to 
risk  his  life  ?  It  will  be  bad  enough  for  you  to  part 
with  me.  No,  no,  my  dear  wife,  you  remain  here  and 
take  care  of  our  boy  while  I  go  to  better  our  fortune." 

He  then  produced  a  package  of  money  which  Sir 
Big-rock  had  given  him  that  afternoon,  and  handing  it 
to  her,  continued  : 

"  This  sum  will  last  you  for  a  long  time." 

The  agitated  woman  burst  into  tears  and  covering 
her  face  with  her  sleeves  sobbed  convulsively. 

Sir  Shell,  who  felt  as  though  his  heart  were  torn  to 
pieces,  regarded  her  pityingly  without  being  able  to 
reply.  He  realized,  for  the  first  time,  the  full  force  of 
the  sacrifice  he  was  about  to  make,  and  as  he  watched 
her  and  their  sleeping  babe,  scalding  tears  trickled 
down  his  cheeks  and  dropped  upon  his  hands. 

After  awhile  the  agonized  woman  made  a  great 
effort  and  said,  as  she  pointed  to  the  child  : 

"  My  honorable  husband,  I  understand  all.  You 
wish  to  cast  me  off.  I,  who  have  brought  you  nothing 
but  anxiety  and  misery,  I  feared  this  was  coming  and 
have  no  reproaches  to  make ;  but,  even  though  you  do 
not  love  me,  beg  you  will  think  of  our  child,  and  put 
off  your  intention  until  he  is  old  enough  to  remember 
your  face.  Oh.  bear  with  me  for  his  sake  and  do  not 
let  him  suffer  for  my  faults  !  You  tell  me  you  have  to 
go  upon  a  long  journey,  that  is  your  kind  pretext  for 
putting  me  away.  Alas,  alas,  that  we  ever  met  in  the 
restaurant  at  Asakusa !  Would  I  had  died  before  that 


192  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

day,  then  I  should  never  have  known  this  great  sor- 
row !  Were  you  a  cruel  husband  I  might  find  comfort 
in  your  decision,  but  you  have  always  been  most  kind 
and  affectionate.  When  this  child  was  born  I  felt 
doubly  happy  in  believing  he  would  be  the  means  of 
strengthening  our  love." 

She  threw  herself  at  his  feet,  and  after  uttering  a 
despairing  cry,  exclaimed  : 

"  O  honorable  husband !  I  pray  you  to  put  an  end 
to  our  lives  !  I  cannot  exist  without  you  !  " 

The  distracted  man  bowed  his  head  and  was  utterly 
unable  to  reply.  He  suffered  untold  agony  in  the  con- 
flict between  his  love  and  duty,  and  in  the  prospect  of 
leaving  his  dear  ones  for  the  journey  to  the  unknown ; 
and,  biting  his  lips,  felt  as  though  he  would  have  to 
break  his  loyal  vow. 

The  babe  awoke  and  crawling  toward  his  mother 
peered  up  at  her  face ;  then,  hearing  her  sobs,  began 
to  cry  piteously,  thus  adding  to  their  sorrow. 

Sir  Shell,  no  longer  able  to  bear  the  sight,  hastily 
arose,  and  quitting  the  house,  paced  the  street,  leaving 
his  wife  to  comfort  the  babe. 

The  hours  passed  until  the  distant  sound  of  the 
temple  bell  announced  the  arrival  of  midnight,  when 
Sir  Shell  crept  back  to  his  home  and  halting  in  the 
porch  heard  Mrs.  Home  singing: 

"  Nen  neko  okorori  nen  neko  yo. 
Obo  san  yoiko  da  nen  neko  yo  ; 
Obo  san  ga  nen  neko  shita  ato  d&, 


Sir  Shell  and  his  Family.  193 

Yama  saka  koyete  ikimashite, 

Aka  no  omamma  ni  toto  soyete 

Oriko  na  obo  san,  no  mezameni  agema  sho" 

TRANSLATION. 

Sleep!  Sleep!  my  good  baby,  sleep! 

While  my  gentle  baby  slumbers,  I  will  go  over  the 
mountains  and  through  the  valleys  and  fetch  some  red- 
bean  rice  and  fish ! 

When  my  clever  baby  awakens,  I  will  feed  him 
with  the  red-bean  rice  and  fish  ! 

I  will  go  over  the  mountains  and  through  the  valleys! 

Sleep  !  Sleep  !  my  good  baby,  sleep  ! 

The  husband  listened  with  heaving  breast  and 
troubled  face ;  then,  as  the  sad  air  died  away,  quietly 
entered  his  dwelling  and  stretched  himself  upon  his 
bed. 

At  last  the  angel  of  sleep  threw  his  shadow  over 
the  abode  of  sorrow,  and,  for  a  brief  space,  caused  the 
inmates  to  forget  their  unhappiness. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

SIR   BIG-ROCK   MAKES   REPARATION   TO    HIS   WIFE. 

"  Judge  no  one  until  the  grass  has  grown  upon  his  grave. 

Only  the  gods  know  the  secrets  of  our  souls." 
t, 

On  the  morning  of  the  1 3th  of  December,  Sir  Big- 
rock  rose  early,  and  after  devoting  several  hours  to 
writing,  summoned  his  servants,  Happy-seven  and 
Left-six,  whom  he  thus  addressed  : 

"  The  time  has  arrived  when  I  no  longer  require 
your  services.  I  desire  you  will  both  proceed  to  Rich- 
cliff  and  take  with  you  these  letters  and  this  package, 
which  you  will  personally  deliver  into  the  hands  of 
my  father-in-law." 

The  men,  having  been  in  constant  attendance  upon 
him,  were  aware  of  the  conspiracy  and  had  hoped  to 
die  with  their  employer.  Happy-seven  bowed  humbly 
and  said  : 

"  Honorable  master,  we  pray  you  will  allow  us  to  re- 
main with  you  to  the  end.  We  desire  to  attend  you 
upon  your  last  journey.  This  is  the  determination  we 

made  long  ago." 

194 


Sir  Big-rock  Makes  Reparation.  i95 

Sir  Big-rock  listened  attentively  and  replied  : 

"  I  will  be  frank  with  you.  The  hour  is  at  hand 
when  the  clansmen  will  carry  out  their  long-cherished 
plan.  It  is  impossible  for  me  to  grant  your  prayer,  as 
none  but  the  members  of  the  league  will  be  permitted 
to  join  in  the  attack.  If  you  wish  to  serve  me,  do  as  I 
request,  and  devote  the  remainder  of  your  lives  to  at- 
tending upon  my  family." 

When  the  men  heard  this  they  wept  and  begged  he 
would  re-consider  his  decision,  and  it  was  with  diffi- 
culty he  restrained  them  from  ending  their  lives  there 
and  then.  At  last,  Left-six  dried  his  tears  and  said  in 
a  choking  voice  : 

"  Honorable  master,  we  will  obey.  I  see  it  is  not 
fit  for  such  common  fellows  as  we  are  to  take  part  in 
your  glorious  enterprise." 

"  Yes,"  said  Happy-seven,  "  as  long  as  we  live  we 
will  remember  your  goodness,  and  serve  your  honor- 
able family  as  faithfully  as  we  have  done  you." 

They  then  received  their  wages  and  the  letters  and 
package,  and  set  out  for  their  destination,  feeling  sure 
that  the  time  of  attack  was  close  at  hand. 

Sir  Big-rock's  communications  were  addressed  re- 
spectively to  his  father-in-law,  his  wife  and  his  chil- 
dren. The  first  was  a  long  epistle  in  which  the 
samurai  narrated  the  history  of  the  conspiracy,  and 
commended  his  family  to  the  guardianship  of  his 
father-in-law.  The  third  was  to  his  sons,  giving, 
among  other  things,  a  list  of  books  he  desired  they 


196  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

should  read,  also  minute  instructions  for  their  guid- 
ance. 

The  second  letter  was  to  his  wife,  Mrs.  Stone,  and 
read  as  follows  : 

"  By  Happy-seven  and  Left-six,  whom  I  now  dis- 
miss from  my  service  and  commend  to  your  care,  I 
send  you  a  few  lines. 

"In  the  first  place  I  ask  you,  my  dear  and  honored 
wife,  to  forgive  me  for  the  apparently  brutal  conduct 
with  which  I  treated  you.  Oh !  how  I  suffered  that 
cold  December  morning,  when  my  sense  of  duty  com- 
pelled me  to  tear  myself  away  from  you  and  put  upon 
you  the  stigma  of  divorce  !  It  was  my  only  means  of 
deceiving  our  enemy,  and  nothing  I  have  done  has 
been  so  effectual  in  blinding  him  as  to  my  real  designs. 
You  have,  in  bearing  this  injustice,  done  your  duty  as 
a  wife  and  member  of  the  clan,  and  your  sacrifice  will 
be  fully  recognized  by  our  honored  chief.  My  dear 
love,  though  I  shall  never  see  you  again  in  this  life, 
my  spirit  will  be  ever  present,  watching  over  your  wel- 
fare and  that  of  our  children. 

"  I  can  now  face  death  without  a  pang,  knowing  you 
will  understand  what  has  hereto  appeared  unnatural  in 
my  behavior.  Admirable  wife  and  noble  mother,  your 
name  will  be  remembered  longer  than  my  own,  for  you 
have  made  three  offerings  at  the  shrine  of  loyalty — 
your  husband,  your  son,  and  yourself. 

"  I  now  bid  you  a  temporary  farewell.  Oh,  wife  of 
my  heart !  when  the  duty  to  our  lord  is  accomplished 


Sir  Big-rock  Makes  Reparation.  197 

and  I  have  departed  to  the  land  of  shadows,  think  of 
me  as  tenderly  as  you  have  done  during  my  life,  and 
when  the  time  comes  for  you  to  travel  the  Lonely-road, 
rest  assured  I  will  be  waiting  to  greet  you  at  the  ter- 
mination of  your  journey. 

"  I  leave  the  education  of  our  sons  entirely  to  you, 
and  hope  my  poor  example  will  teach  them  to  live  and 
die  loyal  men  and  to  be  true  to  their  duties. 

"  Herewith  I  send  you  a  letter  from  our  brave  son, 
Good-gold. 

"  To  my  dear  wife,  Stone. 

"  BIG-ROCK." 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

THE  MISSION  OF  SIR  HAWK'S-GROVE. 

"  Snow  was  in  the  air  and  on  the  house-tops,  and  the  geese  fly- 
ing high  overhead  could  not  be  seen  by  the  passers-by." 

On  the  morning  of  the  i4th  of  December  the  wind 
suddenly  shifted  to  the  north,  thick  white  clouds  piled 
up  upon  the  horizon,  and  soon  the  air  became  filled 
with  feathery  particles  of  snow,  which  continued  to  de- 
scend until  the  city  of  Yedo  was  covered  with  a  white 
veil. 

Few  people  ventured  into  the  streets,  and  the  cold 
gradually  became  intense. 

Toward  noon  a  samurai,  dressed  in  a  rain-coat,  en- 
tered a  buckwheat- vermicelli  restaurant  at  the  western 
end  of  the  Two-provinces  Bridge,  and  after  saluting 
the  proprietor,  said  : 

"  Mr.  Long-time,  I  have  come  to  ask  a  favor  and  to 
say  I  am  about  to  bid  you  farewell.  First  of  all  let 
me  have  a  drink  of  sak&  arid  some  of  your  famous  ver- 
micelli. This  snow-storm  is  enough  to  chill  one  to  the 

marrow." 

198 


The  Mission  of  Sir  HawK  s-grove.  199 

The  propietor  ordered  a  servant  to  bring  the  re- 
freshments, then,  squatting  by  his  friend,  said  : 

"  Mr.  Hawk's-grove,  or  rather,  pardon  me,  Sir 
Hawks-grove,  for  I  perceive  you  are  no  longer  a 
merchant.  What  do  you  mean  by  saying  you  are 
about  to  bid  me  farewell  ?  Has  your  tobacco  bus- 
iness proved  an  unfortunate  speculation  ?  " 

"  Yes,  somewhat,"  replied  the  samurai.  "  The  fact 
is  I  have  spent  much  to  get  very  little,  and  the  price 
of  rice  being  high,  found  it  hard  to  earn  a  living.  I 
have  been  in  consultation  with  some  of  my  former 
comrades,  who,  like  myself,  are  ronin.  We  have  had 
an  offer  from  a  Prince,  related  to  our  old  master,  and 
have  accepted  positions  in  his  service." 

"  That's  good,"  said  the  restaurant-keeper.  "  You 
remember  the  old  proverb  :  '  One  cannot  make  a  mer- 
chant out  of  a  samurai.'  Still  I  am  sorry  you  are  go- 
ing away,  as  after  knowing  you  for  three  years  I 
regret  being  obliged  to  end  our  acquaintance.  When 
do  you  start  ?  " 

"  Not  until  to-night.  During  the  day  the  roads  are 
soft ;  however,  when  the  moon  rises  the  frost  increases, 
and  the  traveling  will  be  more  pleasant ;  besides,  as 
there  are  over  twenty  in  our  party,  we  shall  not  fear  the 
attacks  of  highwaymen.  The  favor  I  have  to  ask  is 
this.  We  intended  to  assemble  in  my  house  and  take 
supper,  but  my  place  is  too  small  to  accommodate 
such  a  large  party.  I  have  come  to  ask  if  you  will 
entertain  us  here." 


2OO  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

"  Certainly,"  answered  Mr.  Long-time.  "  That  is 
my  business.  Do  you  wish  me  to  prepare  anything 
in  addition  to  our  usual  bill  of  fare  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  said  Sir  Hawk's-grove,  taking  a  sum  of 
money  from  his  pocket-book.  "  I  will  leave  this 
amount  in  your  hands.  Please  have  ready  sufficient 
sak6,  rice,  fish  and  vermicelli  to  satisfy  twenty-five 
hungry  persons." 

The  proprietor  received  the  coins,  saying  : 

"  Although  no  advance  payment  is  needed  from  a 
friend,  I  will  keep  this.  How  late  do  you  desire  the 
repast  ready  ?  " 

"  By  the  hour  of  the  Fox  (10  P.  M.),"  answered 
the  samurai.  "  By  that  time  all  your  regular  cus- 
tomers will  have  taken  their  departure  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  sadly  replied  the  other,  "  between  our- 
selves, my  business  is  not  flourishing  ;  so,  to  make 
up  for  the  deficiency  in  my  receipts,  I  have  been 
renting  my  rooms  to  haikai  (verse-making)  parties, 
who  seldom  stay  beyond  the  hour  of  the  Hog  (8  P.  M.). 
There  is  no  fear  of  disturbing  my  guests  ;  you  will 
have  the  whole  house  to  yourselves." 

When  they  had  chatted  for  awhile,  Sir  Hawk's-grove 
quitted  the  restaurant,  drew  his  rain-coat  tightly  about 
him,  and  pulled  his  broad-brimmed  hat  well  over  his 
eyes,  so  as  to  shield  his  face  from  the  blinding  snow. 
He  crossed  the  Two-provinces  Bridge,  and  entering 
the  street  at  the  rear  of  Sir  Kira's  residence,  pro- 
ceeded to  a  tea-house,  where  he  engaged  rooms  for  a 


The  Mission  of  Sir  HawK  s-grove.  201 

second  party,  telling  the  same  story  he  had  related  to 
the  keeper  of  the  vermicelli  restaurant. 

Having  accomplished  this  mission  he  sauntered 
toward  the  back  gate  of  the  noble's  mansion,  and 
taking  shelter  in  a  road- side  refreshment  stall,  ordered 
some  tea,  at  the  same  time  secretly  watching  all  who 
entered  the  opposite  portal. 

"  Ah !  "  laughingly  exclaimed  the  one-eyed  patri- 
arch who  kept  the  stall,  "  this  is  like  old  times  ;  I  shall 
be  very  busy  this  evening.  The  great  Sir  Kira  is 
to  entertain  a  number  of  his  friends,  and  my  kettles 
will  be  emptied  many  times." 

The  samurai  pretended  not  to  be  interested,  and 
the  speaker,  who  repeatedly  slapped  his  hands  to  keep 
himself  warm,  continued : 

"  Ah !  there  will  be  glorious  doings  in  the  mansion. 
They  have  made  preparations  for  over  a  hundred 
guests.  Sir  Kira  is  a  very  good  man.  About  an  hour 
ago  I  saw  his  lacquered  norimono  enter  yonder  gate- 
way." 

The  ronin  handed  him  some  money,  then  made  the 
best  of  his  way  to  the  house  where  Sir  Big-rock  was 
staying.  He  informed  the  Chief-councillor  of  what  he 
had  heard,  when  the  former  said  : 

"  Good,  the  wary  eel  has  entered  the  trap." 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

SIR   RED-FENCE  AND   HIS   BOTTLE. 

"  Every  one  has  a  hobby,  allow  me  then  the  ways  of  Nihon  (to 

make  verses). 

Provided  a  man  pays  for  his  sakJ,  it  is  no  one's  business  how 
much  he  drinks." 

Soon  after  Sir  Hawk's-grove  made  his  report  to  Sir 
Big-rock,  and  while  the  storm  was  raging  furiously,  a 
samurai,  whose  gait  betokened  he  had  taken  more 
sakt  than  was  good  for  him,  staggered  along  West 
Street  in  the  district  of  Small-stone  river.  His  face 
was  red  and  his  eyes  had  a  wild  look,  still  he  appeared 
to  know  where  he  was  going,  and  took  great  care  to 
protect  a  large  earthen  bottle  that  was  suspended  from 
his  girdle.  Every  few  moments  he  would  pause,  raise 
the  skirt  of  his  rain-coat  and  ascertain  if  his  treasure 
were  safe,  then  mutter  something  about  the  storm  and 
continue  his  zig-zag  career. 

This  samurai  was  Sir  Red-fence,  who  had  a  strange 
history.  He  was  the  younger  brother  of  Sir  Turf- 
ground,  of  the  clan  of  Autumn-moon,  and  when  quite 

202 


Sir  Red-fence  and  his  Bottle.  203 

young  had  been  adopted  by  a  family  who  acknowledged 
the  Lord  of  Ako  as  their  chief.  Unfortunately,  Sir 
Red-fence  had  a  great  weakness,  an  inordinate  love 
for  liquor,  and  was  almost  constantly  under  its  influ- 
ence. This  failing  greatly  be-littled  him  in  the  eyes  of 
strangers,  notwithstanding  which  he  had  many  times 
been  employed  by  his  lord  to  conduct  negociations 
that  required  great  tact  and  ability.  Why  was  this  ? 
Because,  even  though  Sir  Red-fence  were  intoxicated 
and  lying  on  the  floor  in  a  state  of  stupefaction,  he 
would,  at  the  summons  of  duty,  instantly  arise  and 
perform  faithfully  whatever  was  entrusted  to  him,  in 
addition  to  which  he  was  very  eloquent  and  possessed 
sound  judgment,  and  in  the  capacity  of  ambassador  to 
the  princely  families,  had  done  his  lord  good  service. 

It  had  generally  happened  that  when  he  set  out  upon 
one  of  these  errands,  he  was  suffering  from  indulgence 
in  his  favorite  beverage,  and  although  at  first  he  would 
endeavor  to  preserve  a  dignified  appearance,  before  he 
had  gone  a  hundred  yards  he  would  drop  the  reins 
upon  the  neck  of  his  horse  and  begin  to  nod,  leaving 
the  animal  to  go  as  it  pleased  and  permitting  it  to  crop 
the  grass  growing  on  the  road-side.  His  attendants, 
shamed  by  the  grins  and  remarks  of  the  passers-by, 
would  waken  their  master  and  respectfully  caution 
him,  when,  without  even  opening  his  eyes,  he  would 
mutter  : 

"  Well,  well !    I  know  all  about  it.    I  am  very  sleepy." 
He  would  yawn  and  resume  his  slumbers  until  he 


2O4  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

arrived  in  front  of  the  residence  of  the  daimio  to  whom 
he  was  accredited  and  heard  the  loud  announcement : 

"An  ambassador  is  at  the  gate!" 

From  that  instant  he  would  become  wide  awake, 
and  by  his  dignity  of  manner  command  the  admir- 
ation of  the  by-standers.  He  was  like  the  man  de- 
scribed in  the  old  saying  : 

"  Although  sent  in  four  directions  at  once,  he  would 
still  preserve  the  honor  of  his  master." 

Lord  Morning-field  had  great  regard  for  Sir  Red- 
fence,  and  would  often  praise  him  for  his  ability  ;  while 
among  the  clansmen  no  one  was  more  devoted  to 

o 

their  chief  than  this  drunken  samurai. 

After  Sir  Red-fence  became  a  ronin  he  continued 
to  indulge  in  his  potations,  and  although  he  often 
wanted  rice,  was  seldom  without  liquor. 

Having  no  regular  income  and  being  unable  to  gain 
his  living  by  any  occupation,  he  depended  upon  his 
brother,  Sir  Turf-ground,  a  good  man,  who,  recollect- 
ing the  last  injunction  of  their  father,  not  only  fur- 
nished the  prodigal  with  money  but  bought  him  good 
clothes. 

Unhappily  this  benevolence  was  of  little  benefit  to 
Sir  Red-fence,  for  upon  receiving  a  new  suit,  he 
would  sell  it  to  the  first  purchaser  of  cast  off  garments 
he  met  and  invest  the  proceeds  in  drink. 

His  dissolute  behavior,  while  grieving  Sir  Turf- 
ground,  never  lessened  the  latter's  affection,  and  he 
continued  to  do  everything  in  his  power  for  the  way- 


Sir  Red-fence  and  his  Bottle.  2o5 

ward  man,  who  would  haunt  his  house  and  amuse  the 
servants  with  his  drunken  antics. 

Whenever  he  made  his  appearance  at  his  brother's 
establishment,  the  domestics,  although  they  looked 
upon  him  as  an  unmitigated  sot  and  good-for-nothing, 
would  quit  their  work  in  order  to  listen  to  his  wit- 
ticisms and  watch  his  comical  tricks.  This  finally  be- 
came such  a  nuisance  and  so  seriously  interfered  with 
their  occupations,  that  Sir  Turf-ground  began  to  wish 
his  brother  would  visit  him  less  frequently  and  the 
lady  of  the  house  positively  refused  to  see  her  relative. 

Such  was  Sir  Red-fence,  who,  bad  as  he  was,  had 
many  virtues. 

The  snow  beat  into  his  face  and  he  from  time  to 
time  was  obliged  to  pause  to  take  breath  and  ascer- 
tain his  whereabouts. 

"  This  wintery  storm  makes  one  feel  as  if  stone-pins 
were  being  driven  into  one's  flesh,"  he  muttered,  as  he 
leaned  against  the  side  of  a  house.  "  I  wonder  where 
my  brother's  residence  has  gone  to,  surely  it  has  not 
been  blown  away?  Thanks  to  the  gods,  I  have 
brought  my  bottle  with  me.  Those  at  his  establish- 
ment are  usually  empty." 

His  shabby  garments,  which  were  partly  concealed 
by  a  red  paper  waterproof  cloak,  and  his  old  straw 
rain-hat,  which  he  wore  athwart  his  visage,  gave  him 
a  very  disreputable  appearance  and  he  in  no  way 
resembled  "  one  who  remembers  his  master." 

In  a  few  moments  he  resumed  his  weary  journey, 


206  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

walking  unconcernedly  through  the  snow-drifts  and 
puddles,  until  he  reached  the  side  gate  of  the  mansion 
of  Lord  Autumn-moon. 

After  passing  the  porter,  who  was  crouching  over 
the  fire-bowl  in  the  lodge,  he  halted,  and  addressing 
his  bottle  as  though  it  could  understand  him,  said : 

"The  cold  does  not  seem  to  affect  you,  my  old  fellow. 
Of  the  hundred  medical  remedies  sakd  is  the  chief." 

The  porter  waited  until  the  visitor  was  out  of  hear- 
ing, then  laughed  and  remarked  to  a  companion  who 
was  sitting  near  him  :  "  There  goes  Sir  Red-fence 
and  his  bottle,  both  of  them  are  full  of  sake." 

"  Would  I  were  like  them,"  replied  the  other.  "  A 
good,  warm  cup  would  not  be  amiss  on  such  a  cold 
afternoon.  I  have  heard  Sir  Red-fence  has  never 
tasted  water." 

"  I  wish  I  could  say  the  same,"  growled  the  porter. 
"  I  believe  the  gods  supply  some  people  with  their 
drink.  Sir  Red-fence  always  has  a  drop  in  his  bottle." 

The  object  of  their  remarks,  who  had  assumed  a 
more  sober  gait,  strode  across  the  enclosure  and  pro- 
ceeding to  the  side  door  of  his  brother's  residence, 
entered.  Upon  beholding  him,  the  two  maids  who 
were  in  the  kitchen  glanced  at  each  other,  and  the. 
elder  quitted  the  apartment  to  inform  her  mistress  of 
his  arrival,  while  the  younger,  advancing  a  step  or  two, 
knelt,  bowed  and  addressed  him,  saying  : 

"  Sir  Red-fence,  you  are  welcome.  You  must  have 
felt  very  cold  on  your  way." 


Sir  Red-fence  and  his  Bottle.  207 

The  samurai  threw  aside  his  rain-coat  and  tore  off 
his  hat  without  untying  the  cords,  then  carefully  plac- 
ing his  bottle  upon  the  platform,  seated  himself  near 
it  and  smiling  at  the  attendant,  replied  : 

"  Girl,  I  thank  you  for  your  kind  words,  but,  as  you 
see,  I  am  warmed  with  good  sakt  and  the  cold  does 
not  trouble  me.  How  is  my  brother?  Is  his  health 
affected  by  this  weather  ?  Is  he  at  home  ?  " 

"  Sir  Red-fence,  my  master  is  well.  At  the  present 
moment  he  is  at  the  mansion,  assisting  our  prince  to 
entertain  some  guests.  I  do  not  think  he  will  return 
until  late  to-night. 

"  Very  good.     Tell  me  how  my  sister  is  ?  " 

At  that  moment  the  other  servant  re-entered  the 
kitchen  and  said  : 

"Honorable  sir,  my  mistress  is  indisposed.  She 
begs  you  will  excuse  her  from  seeing  you." 

Sir  Red-fence  nodded,  saying  : 

"  Oh !  this  severe  cold  is  quite  too  much  for  her.  I 
hope  she  will  soon  recover." 

He  spoke  indistinctly  and  the  girls  imperfectly  un- 
derstood what  he  said.  After  awhile  he  appeared  to 
doze,  noticing  which  the  elder  of  the  servants  whis- 
pered to  her  companion  : 

"  I  will  go  to  my  mistress  and  leave  you  to  wait 
upon  the  honorable  brother.  You  are  not  afraid  of 

him,  are  you  ?  " 

"Not  in  the  least,"  she  replied.  "  No  one  fears 
Sir  Red-fence.  He  never  harmed  a  woman  in  his  life." 


208  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

When  the  old  servant  had  departed,  the  sleeper  sud- 
denly jerked  himself  upright  and  exclaimed  : 

"  Let  me  have  a  cup." 

"  Of  tea  ?  "  she  inquired. 

"  Girl !  you  know  I  never  drink  it.  I  have  too  much 
respect  for  my  nerves  !  Here  is  some  old  sake"  which 
I  have  brought  as  a  present  for  my  dear  brother.  Be- 
fore giving  it  to  you,  I  will  ascertain  whether  it  has 
been  poisoned." 

The  maid  laughed  behind  her  sleeve,  and  handing 
him  a  cup,  said  : 

"  Honorable  sir,  shall  I  warm  the  sakt  for  you  ?  " 

"  A  thousand  thanks,"  he  replied.  "  I  can  do  that 
for  myself." 

He  filled  the  cup  and  emptied  it,  repeating  the  oper- 
ation several  times,  while  the  girl  regarded  him  with 
an  astonished  face.  The  bottle  was  quite  large,  and  it 
took  him  some  time  to  reduce  its  contents.  When 
only  a  small  quantity  remained  in  the  vessel,  he  shook 
it  and  said  to  the  attendant : 

"There  is  too  much  poison  in  this  sake" ;  still  the 
few  cups  that  remain  will  not  do  you  girls  any  harm. 
Accept  it  from  me  and  finish  it  before  you  go  to 
bed." 

The  damsel  received  his  gift  in  a  hesitating  man- 
ner and  put  it  aside,  after  which  the  visitor  rose,  and 
thrusting  his  toe  into  the  loop  of  his  left  clog,  which 
during  the  conversation  had  dropped  from  his  foot, 
said : 


Sir  Red-fence  and  his  Bottle.  209 

"  Please  be  good  enough  to  listen  to  what  I  am 
about  to  tell  you,  and  faithfully  repeat  my  words  to  my 
brother." 

"  Of  course  I  will,  Sir  Red-fence." 

"  Very  well,  girl.  Now  listen,  and  tell  him  this  : 
Since  I  became  a  ronin  you  have  been  most  kind  to 
me,  for  which  I  return  my  heartfelt  thanks.  My  fond- 
ness for  sak£  has  caused  you  much  anxiety  and  annoy- 
ance. I  beg  you  will  forgive  my  offences.  At  length 
I  have  procured  employment  under  a  western  prince, 
with  whom  I  am  about  to  start  for  his  province.  I 
came  here  to  say  farewell,  and  am  sorry  enough  to  de- 
part without  seeing  you.  Rest  assured,  even  should 
it  happen  that  I  die  without  again  beholding  your  face, 
the  remembrance  of  your  brotherly  kindnesses  will 
ever  remain  in  my  heart." 

At  this  point  Sir  Red-fence  dropped  a  tear,  but  the 
girl  did  not  notice  it.  He  then  moved  toward  the  door, 
upon  reaching  which  he  turned  and  said : 

"  Also -tell  him  :  Hereafter  and  forever  I  will  entreat 
the  gods  to  make  both  you  and  my  sister  prosperous 
and  happy." 

Thus  speaking,  he  placed  his  hand  to  his  head,  and 
missing  his  rain-hat  returned  to  recover  it,  when  he 
found  that  in  pulling  it  off  he  had  broken  the  cords. 
As  he  was  about  to  envelope  his  head  in  a  soiled 
handkerchief,  the  girl  took  a  hat  hanging  upon  the 
wall  and  handing  it  to  him,  said  : 

"  Honorable  sir,  it  storms  too  much  for  you  to  go 


2io  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

abroad  with  your  head  thus  unprotected.     This  is  my 
master's  hat ;  take  it  and  leave  your  own." 

"  I  thank  you.  I  must  now  be  off.  I  hope  you  girls 
will  have  a  happy  New  Year." 

He  hastily  retired,  and  conquering  his  sorrowful  re- 
flections, hurried  through  the  snow.  Within  an  hour 
he  was  perfectly  sober,  and  had  joined  the  conspirators 
assembled  at  the  grocery-store  of  the  Three-springs. 

Soon  after  Sir  Red-fence  quitted  his  brother's  house 
Sir  Turf-ground  returned,  and  on  receiving  the  mes- 
sage from  his  wife,  said  : 

"  I  regret  not  to  have  seen  him.  He  has  remained 
away  so  long  I  feared  something  had  befallen  the  poor 
fellow.  I  understand  the  end  of  the  year  is  at  hand, 
and  he  requires  my  assistance.  I  am  glad  to  hear  he 
has  at  last  taken  service,  though  it  is  a  strange  time 
for  a  prince  to  proceed  to  his  province.  I  suppose  the 
girl  did  not  comprehend  my  brother's  words,  and  sus- 
pect he  is  about  to  depart  upon  some  important  errand. 
This  is  bitterly  cold  weather  for  a  journey.  I  hope  he 
will  not  meet  with  any  accident.  My  dear  wife,  I  am 
really  very  uneasy  about  him." 

Had  Sir  Turf-ground  known  the  truth  he  would 
have  felt  proud  of  his  relative,  he  hoping  that  Sir  Red- 
fence  and  the  rest  of  the  clansmen  of  Ako  would  some 
day  avenge  the  death  of  their  lord.  As  it  was,  he 
thought  only  of  the  profligate,  and  with  difficulty  re- 
strained his  tears. 

His  wife  noticing  his  emotion,  placed  a  repast  be- 


Sir  Red-fence  and  his  Bottle.  2 1 1 

fore  him,  and  bade  the  servant  bring  some  sakL  The 
girl  produced  the  bottle  left  by  Sir  Red-fence,  and 
minutely  described  how  he  had  partaken  of  its  con- 
tents. 

Sir  Turf-ground  smiled  sadly,  and  when  the  maid 
had  retired,  remarked  to  his  wife  : 

"  Red-fence  has  only  one  fault — when  there  is  a 
bottle  near  him  he  forgets  everything  else.     I  believe 
his  nurse  was  a  female  Shojo  (a  submarine  monster  of 
dissipated  habits).     Even  when  my  brother  was  a  child 
he  cried  for  sak&.      We  see  him  at  a  great  disadvan- 
tage, for  I  know  he  possesses  many  admirable  quali- 
ties.    May  be  fraternal  affection  blinds  me,  still  I  can- 
not help  loving  and  admiring  him.      The  other  day, 
when  he  was  sleeping  in  the  kitchen  like  a  dead  man, 
I  looked  at  him,  and  thought  how  sad  it  was  he  had 
fallen  so  low.      While   I  was  thus  thinking,  I  noticed 
his  left  hand  was  clenched  about  the  scabbard  of  his 
long  sword  and  that  he  grasped  the  hilt  with  his  right, 
showing  him  to  be  on  his  guard.     When  I  advanced 
he  immediately  opened  his  eyes  and  partly  drew  his 
weapon,  then  recognizing  me,  rolled  over  and  resumed 
his  slumber.      During  that  moment  I    observed  the 
blade,  unlike  its  dilapidated  scabbard,  was  as  brilliant 
as  an  icicle  or  a  fragment  of  crystal  ;  therefore,  believe, 
spite  of  his  failing,  Red-fence  is  not  unmindful  of  the 
duties  of  a  samurai,  and  I  am  certain  we  shall  yet  feel 
proud  of  him." 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

"  SIR  BIG-ROCK'S  FAREWELL  TO  LADY  PURE-GEM." 

'  The  years  have  come  and  gone,  and  I  am  still  weeping  for  thee, 

my  beloved. 
My  tears  fall  day  and  night,  like  the  waters  of  Nonobiki." 

This  poem  admirably  describes  the  grief  of  Lady 
Pure-gem,  who,  on  the  third  anniversary  of  her  hus- 
band's death,  had  been  all  the  day  prostrated  before 
the  family  altar,  where,  with  Lady  Pine-island,  she  re- 
peated prayers  for  the  repose  of  the  dead  chieftain's 
soul. 

Toward  the  evening,  when  the  storm  was  abating, 
she  yielded  to  the  earnest  solicitations  of  her  faithful 
attendant,  and  retiring  to  her  private  apartment,  par- 
took of  some  slight  refreshment. 

"  Ah !  "  she  exclaimed,  gazing  upon  a  manrio-plant 
placed  upon  the  tokonoma,  "  my  dear  husband  wrote 
his  last  poem  in  praise  of  yonder  beautiful  object. 
That  flourishes,  while  my  beloved  lord  is  no  more  ;  his 
family  name  has  become  extinct,  his  retainers  are  scat- 

212 


Sir  Big-rock's  Farewell  to  Lady  Pure-gem.     2 1 3 

tered  like  the  seeds  of  a  thistle,  and  oh,  terrible 
thought !  his  death  remains  unavenged." 

"  My  honored  mistress,  do  not  despair,"  said  Lady 
Pine-island.  "  Sir  Big-rock  will  yet  be  heard  from. 
The  fire  of  loyalty  is  only  slumbering  in  the  hearts  of 
our  clansmen," 

The  widow  covered  her  face  with  her  sleeves,  and 
after  sobbing  awhile,  said  : 

"  I  hope  your  words  will  prove  true.  Remember- 
ing the  nobility  of  my  husband's  character,  his  thought- 
fulness  for  his  retainers,  his  unbounded  generosity,  and 
the  love  they  professed  to  bear  for  him,  I  cannot  un- 
derstand why  they  have  permitted  the  leaves  of  three 
autumns  to  fall  upon  his  tomb  without  having  made 
an  attempt  to  wipe  out  the  disgrace  of  his  death.  Why 
has  Big-rock  not  sent  me  some  communication  ?  I 
am  living  here  secluded  from  the  world,  and  ought  to 
be  informed  of  what  the  clansmen  are  doing." 

Lady  Pine-island  did  not  reply,  she  having  taken 
great  care  to  prevent  her  mistress  from  hearing  the 
strange  rumors  concerning  Sir  Big-rock. 

About  the  hour  of  the  Hog  (8  P.M.),  as  Lady  Pure- 
gem  was  returning  to  resume  her  prayers,  a  servant 
announced  the  arrival  of  Sir  Big-rock. 

In  an  instant  the  mourner's  grief  appeared  to  vanish, 
and  she  joyfully  directed  Lady  Pine-island  to  conduct 
the  visitor  to  her  presence. 

The  attendant  made  her  obeisance  and  retired, 
presently  returning  with  the  Chief-councillor,  who  was 


214  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

clad  in  his  ceremonial  robes.  He  advanced  with  a 
sorrowful  face  and  grave  demeanor,  and  kneeeling, 
prostrated  himself  before  Lady  Pure-gem,  remaining 
with  his  forehead  close  to  the  mat,  mute  with  grief. 

Though  the  lady  was  likewise  deeply  moved, 
through  her  sadness  came  a  gleam  of  joy,  as  she  be- 
lieved Sir  Big-rock  was  there  to  announce  the  good 
news.  When  she  had  somewhat  recovered  from  her 
emotion  she  requested  Lady  Pine-island  to  retire,  then 
filled  a  cup  with  sake  and  offered  it  to  her  visitor, 
saying : 

"  I  am  told,  after  you  left  our  castle  you  went  to  re- 
side in  Yamashina.  What  has  brought  you  from  so 
great  a  distance  ?  " 

The  councillor  took  the  cup,  and  bowing,  drained  its 
contents,  after  which  he  replied  : 

"  Most  worthy-to-be-honored  mistress,  in  the  days 
of  our  dead  lord's  prosperity  the  responsibilities  of  my 
office  gave  me  no  time  for  relaxation,  and  during  my 
brief  visits  to  this  city  I  had  little  opportunity  for 
amusement.  Although  I  am  only  a  man  of  wave-like 
fortune,  I,  through  the  generosity  of  my  honored  chief, 
possess  sufficient  means  for  all  my  needs.  You  desire 
to  know  what  has  brought  me  from  Yamashina  ?  It 
is  this  :  Having  exhausted  all  the  delights  of  Kioto,  I 
have  visited  Yedo  to  enjoy  more  fashionable  pleasures." 

The  lady  listened  as  though  unwilling  to  credit  her 
senses,  seeing  which,  Sir  Big-rock,  who  was  secretly 
delighted  with  the  success  of  his  words,  said  : 


Sir  Big-rock's  Farewell  to  Lady  Pure-gem.     2 1 5 

"  I  have  been  to  nearly  all  the  celebrated  places  in 
this  city,  and  only  one  more  errand  remains  to  be  per- 
formed— that  I  shall  accomplish  to-night.  My  com- 
panions are  notified  and  are  waiting  to  accompany  me. 
I  have  come  to  bid  you  a  respectful  farewell,  as  I  may 
not  return  to  Yedo  for  some  years.  Meanwhile  may 
happiness  and  prosperity  attend  you." 

Lady  Pure-gem  regarded  him  with  amazement,  ut- 
terly unable  to  understand  the  change  in  his  senti- 
ments. Her  soul  became  filled  with  indignation,  and 
losing  her  self-control,  she  exclaimed : 

"  Ingrate !  Are  you  the  loyal  retainer  of  whom  my 
dear  lord  said  :  '  Whatever  may  occur,  I  desire  you 
will  place  implicit  confidence  in  my  Chief-councillor 
and  regard  his  words  as  though  they  were  mine  ? ' 
Oh,  unfaithful  and  miserable  wretch,  you  have  dis- 
honored the  name  of  samurai  \  " 

In  her  agony  and  despair  she  grasped  a  paper-weight 
shaped  like  a  horse,  and  hurled  it  at  him. 

Sir  Big-rock  caught  the  missile,  and  reverently  press- 
ing it  to  his  forehead,  replied  : 

"  This  parting  gift  of  a  horse,*  I  receive  with  pro- 
found thanks.      Most  worthy-to-be-honored  mistress, 
have  you  any  message  for  your  dead  lord  in  heaven  ?  " 
Upon  hearing  this  speech,  Lady  Pure-gem  clasped 
her  hands,  and  gazing  earnestly  at  him,  thought : 

*  "  The  horse  is  considered  a  lucky  animal.  Japanese  his- 
tory records  many  instances  where  a  general,  upon  sending  a 
warrior  into  a  desperate  combat,  presented  him  with  a  steed, 
such  a  gift  being  regarded  as  a  good  omen." 


216  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

"  Can  it  be  possible  he  is  still  loyal  ?  "  then  said,  in  a 
faltering  voice  : 

"  Sir  Chief-councillor,  I  do  not  understand  your 
meaning." 

Sir  Big-rock,  recollecting  how  nearly  he  had  be- 
trayed himself,  cautiously  answered  : 

"  Honored  Mistress,  I  regard  your  present  as  though 
it  came  from  my  dead  chief.  I  beg  you  will  now  ex- 
cuse me.  Once  more  I  bid  you  farewell." 

He  bowed  respectfully  to  the  floor,  and  rising,  slowly 
retired  from  the  apartment,  leaving  the  lady  bewildered 
and  shocked  at  his  inexplicable  behavior. 

The  ante-chamber,  to  which  Lady  Pine-island  had 
withdrawn,  was  merely  a  portion  of  the  main  room, 
shut  off  with  paper  screens  so  as  to  form  a  recess. 
Against  the  left  wall  stood  an  open  press  furnished 
with  cupboards  and  drawers  for  garments  ;  it  likewise 
contained  a  number  of  shelves  filled  with  exquisite 
specimens  of  porcelain  and  old  lacquer-ware.  The 
chief  attendant  was  reclining  behind  a  paper-screen, 
her  countenance  betraying  the  indignation  that  pos- 
sessed her  soul.  On  her  left  were  a  pipe,  and  a 
lacquered  box  holding  a  jar  of  finely  shredded  to- 
bacco, and  before  her  a  tiny  porcelain  stove  which 
supported  a  tea-pot.  The  other  articles  furnishing 
the  place  were  a  lacquered  tray  containing  cups,  a 
wooden  pillow,  a  silken- wadded  quilt,  and  a  tall,  square 
lantern,  the  sides  of  which  were  filled  with  semi-trans- 
parent paper. 


c.    w 


Sir  Big-rock's  Farewell  to  Lady  Pure-gem.     2 1 7 

<l  Madam,"  said  Sir  Big-rock,  sinking  upon  his  knees 
and  drawing  some  books  from  his  left  sleeve,  "  here 
are  a  few  songs  and  poems  I  composed  on  my  way 
from  Kioto.  In  these  volumes  are  described  many 
places  of  beauty  and  historic  fame.  I  believe  their 
perusal  will  greatly  interest  our  honored  mistress ; 
therefore,  beg  you  will  present  them  to  her  and  re- 
quest she  will  honor  me  by  reading  them." 

Although  Lady  Pine-island  was  intensely  indig- 
nant with  the  speaker,  she  could  not  refuse  the 
proffered  gift,  such  a  proceeding  being  contrary  to 
etiquette.  She  took  the  volumes,  opened  one  of 
them  upside  down,  and  extending  it  toward  him,  ex- 
claimed : 

"  Sir  Big-rock,  we  expected  better  things  than  this. 
It  appears,  instead  of  remembering  your  duty,  you 
have  thought  no  more  of  it  than  of  a  drop  of  dew,  and 
have  been  amusing  yourself  and  spending  your  time 
in  verse-making.  Pardon  my  plain  speech.  I  cannot 
remain  silent." 

The  other  ladies  of  the  household,  who  one  by 
one  had  entered  the  apartment,  united  in  expressing 
their  contempt  for  his  strange  behavior  ;  however,  Sir 
Big-rock  merely  bowed  gravely,  and  taking  his  short 
sword  from  the  floor,  retired,  followed  by  the  young 
women,  who  accompanied  him  to  the  veranda,  and  con- 
tinued their  bitter  reproaches  as  long  as  he  remained 

in  sight. 

Lady  Pine-island  slipped  the  volumes  into  her  sleeve, 


2 1 8  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

deeming  it  would  be  an  insult  to  present  them  to  her 
mistress,  after  which  she  proceeded  to  the  adjoining 
room  where  she  found  Lady  Pure-gem  prostrate  be- 
fore the  altar,  praying  and  sobbing  as  though  she 
would  die  of  grief. 


CHAPTER   XXXI. 

MARSHALING  THE   CONSPIRATORS. 

Sir  Big-rock  quitted  Lady  Pure-gem's  residence  as 
the  temple  bells  boomed  forth  the  hour  of  the  Fox  (10 
P.M.).  The  storm  had  ceased,  and  the  full  moon,  shin- 
ing through  the  cloud  rifts,  brilliantly  illuminated  the 
grounds  surrounding  the  mansion.  On  reaching  the 
shrine  of  the  god-Fox,  he  paused,  and  gazing  upon  the 
snow-laden  branches  of  the  bamboos  that  overhung 
the  structure,  said  : 

"  Thus  have  the  loyal  hearts  of  the  clansmen  been 
bowed  with  sorrow.  To-morrow's  sun  will  melt  your 
burden  and  find  us  freed  of  a  heavy  load." 

He  moved  on  and  passing  the  guard,  who  saluted 
him  with  profound  respect,  entered  the  street.  After 
walking  a  few  paces,  he  engaged  a  public  kago  and  di- 
rected the  bearers  to  convey  him  to  his  lodgings.  The 
journey  occupied  nearly  an  hour,  the  distance  from 
the  Blue-hill  district  to  the  neighborhood  of  Sir 
Kira's  mansion  being  over  four  miles.  While  pro- 
ceeding by  that  noble's  residence,  they  heard  sounds 

tig 


220  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

of  music  and  revelry,  and  one  of  the  coolies  remarked 
to  the  other  : 

"  Sir  Kira  is  giving  a  great  feast ;  we  had  better  re- 
turn here.  It  will  be  a  good  place  for  us  to  find  an- 
other patron.  We  may  earn  a  large  sum  between 
this  and  mid-night." 

When  Sir  Big-rock  arrived  at  his  destination,  he  de- 
tained his  bearers  until  he  had  changed  his  robes  of 
ceremony  for  his  armor  and  the  uniform  provided  by 
the  contractor.  After  doing  this  he  re-entered  the 
kago  and  was  conveyed  to  the  buckwheat- vermicelli 
restaurant,  where  he  was  welcomed  by  his  compan- 
ions and  the  proprietor,  who  quickly  set  before  them 
an  excellent  repast. 

"  Gentlemen,"  said  Mr.  Long-time,  producing  a  very 
large  and  beautiful  cup,  "  I  was  awarded  this  as  the 
champion's  prize  in  a  game  of  hai-kai  (verse- making). 
Will  you  empty  it  with  me  ?  On  the  point  of  depart- 
ing upon  a  journey,  drinking  from  such  a  cup  always 
brings  good  luck." 

Speaking  thus,  he  placed  the  vessel  before  Sir  Big- 
rock. 

The  conspirators  glanced  significantly  at  one  an- 
other, and  were  greatly  delighted  at  his  words.  When 
all  had  filled  and  emptied  the  cup,  the  Chief-councillor 
said  : 

44  Mr.  host,  we  return  you  many  thanks  for  offering 
us  the  use  of  your  treasure.  Will  you  not  confer  an- 
other favor  upon  us,  and  recite  the  verse  that  won  this 
prize  ?  " 


Marshaling  the  Conspirators.  221 

"  It  was  nothing  extraordinary,"  the  man  replied. 
"  I  gained  the  championship  more  by  good  luck  than 
by  the  elegance  of  my  stanzas.  I  fear  you  will  deem 
it  a  very  poor  composition." 

"  Oh  no !  oh  no  !  "  they  cried.  "  We  are  sure  it  is 
a  most  excellent  poem.  Please  oblige  us  by  reciting 
it." 

"  Well,"  he  answered,  "  as  you  insist,  I  will  comply. 
This  is  my  poor  attempt  at  versification  : 

"  During  the  night 
Sings  high  in  the  sky 
(What  ?)  a  nightingale." 

"  That  is  very  good,"  exclaimed  Sir  Big-rock.  "  It 
may  also  be  read  thus  : 

"  In  the  world 

What  -will  always  attain  eminence  ? 
(This)  genius. 

Your  poem  has  set  me  verse- making.  Please  bring 
me  writing  materials.  I  will  borrow  your  first  stanza 
and  add  something  to  it." 

He  took  a  brush,  and  leaning  upon  his  sword,  bent 
forward  and  wrote  : 

"  During  the  night 
Harder  grows 
(What?)  the  icicle." 


222  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

Upon  completing  this  he  turned  to  Sir  Big-eagle, 
and  handing  him  the  brush,  remarked  : 

"  Now  see  what  you  can  do.  We  will  have  a  verse- 
making  match." 

The  samurai  thought  for  a  moment,  and  wrote  : 

"  The  cry  of  the  sparrow-eagle  pierces  the  sky." 

To  this  Sir  Hatchet  added  : 

"  Already  the  big  sake,  cup  has  been  emptied." 

The  last  to  write  was  Sir  Big-rock,  Jr.,  who  com- 
posed the  following : 

"  The  red  glow  fills  the  hall  of  the  Pine-trees." 

These  impromptu  verses  showed  the  spirit  of  their 
writers,  and  that,  even  in  the  presence  of  death,  they 
were  calm  and  resolute. 

Among  the  party  were  some  more  proficient  in 
warfare  than  in  verse-making,  who  looked  on  respect- 
fully, yet  failed  to  comprehend  the  hidden  meaning  of 
the  sentences. 

Sir  Unconquerable  was  of  this  number.  After  he 
had  disposed  of  a  good  meal,  he  whispered  to  Sir  Big- 
eagle  : 

"  Why  does  that  poetry  so  greatly  please  our  com- 
rades ?  For  my  part,  I  cannot  see  any  sense  in  it." 

His  companion  replied  in  a  low  voice  : 


Marshaling  the  Conspirators.  223 

"  Listen.  '  During  the  night  harder  grows  the  ici- 
cle/ may  be  read  thus  :  '  During  the  night  sharper 
grows  the  blade  of  the  sword.'  My  verse  also  means  : 
'  The  sound  of  the  whistle  pierces  the  air.'  Sir 
Hatchet's  stanza  signifies :  '  Already  Sir  Kira  has 
fallen/  and  the  poem  of  Sir  Big-rock,  Jr.,  may  be  in- 
terpreted in  this  manner  :  '  The  red  glow  of  the  com- 
bat fills  the  hall  decorated  with  the  representations  of 
Pine-trees/  the  apartment  in  which  Sir  Kira  has  en- 
tertained his  guests." 

Sir  Unconquerable's  grim  visage  relaxed  into  a 
smile,  and  filling  a  cup  with  sakt  he  drained  it,  then 
said  : 

"  I  understand,  this  is  the  hour  of  the  poets  ;  later 
on  I  will  try  to  distinguish  myself.  My  poetry  is  writ- 
ten with  the  point  of  my  sword." 

While  the  conspirators  were  feasting,  Sir  Big-rock 
noticed  the  absence  of  Sir  Shell,  and  conjecturing 
the  cause,  quietly  called  Sir  Cedar-valley  aside  and 
whispered  : 

"Your  friend,  Sir  Shell,  has  not  yet  arrived.  I 
think  it  will  be  as  well  for  you  to  seek  him.  In  part- 
ing with  wife  and  child,  one  forgets  how  the  time 
flies." 

Sir  Cedar-valley  retired  from  the  assembly  and 
hastened  to  the  house  of  his  friend,  whom  he  found 
preparing  to  depart.  Mrs.  Home  was  weeping  bit- 
terly, and  the  child  was  clinging  to  her  and  lisping  : 

"  Mamma,  mamma,  papa  shall  not  go." 


224  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

Sir  Shell  glanced  at  the  visitor,  as  a  condemned 
man  does  at  his  executioner,  then  turned  from  him, 
and  folding  his  arms,  endeavored  to  control  him- 
self. 

"  Comrade,"  said  Sir  Cedar-valley,  crouching  near 
him,  "  your  companions  are  ready  to  start.  I  am 
certain  you  will  not  be  the  one  to  delay  our  journey." 

For  a  moment  Sir  Shell  remained  mute  and  irreso- 
lute, after  which,  remembering  his  duty,  he  gazed  sor- 
rowfully at  his  beloved  ones,  and  silently  bidding  them 
adieu,  quitted  his  home,  leaving  his  wife  prostrate  on 
the  floor,  like  one  struck  down  by  lightning.  The  last 
sound  he  heard  was  the  voice  of  little  Also-five-boy, 
pitifully  exclaiming : 

"  Papa !  papa  !  " 

When  he  joined  his  companions  at  the  restaurant, 
he  seated  himself  with  a  calm  air  and  in  no  way  be- 
trayed the  distraction  of  his  soul. 

Sir  Big-rock  did  not  appear  to  notice  Sir  Shell's  en- 
trance, which  had  been  accomplished  so  quietly  that 
few  of  the  party  knew  he  had  not  been  with  them  all 
the  evening. 

Toward  midnight  the  conspirators  quitted  the  restau- 
rant and  proceeded  across  the  Two-provinces  Bridge. 
The  cold  was  intense,  and  they  did  not  encounter  any 
one  on  their  way. 

Upon  arriving  at  their  rendezvous,  a  spot  called 
Rush-island,  they  were  joined  by  the  second  division 
from  the  tea-house. 


Marshaling  the  Conspirators.  22 5 

Here  they  remained  until  the  hour  of  the  Ox 
(2  A.M.),  when  they  were  formed  into  two  companies ; 
the  first  under  Sir  Big-rock,  and  the  second  led  by  Sir 
Big-rock,  Jr.,  assisted  by  Sir  Lucky-field.  Each  man 
was  clad  in  uniform,  and  carried  in  his  sleeve  a  docu- 
ment describing  the  reason  for  the  attack,  to  which 
were  affixed  his  names  and  a  description  of  his  per- 
sonal appearance. 

The  following  instructions,  issued  by  Sir  Big-rock, 
were  copied  from  the  original  document,  preserved  to 
this  day  in  the  Spring-hill  Temple  : 

1.  Do  not  make  any  mistake  in  replying  to  signs 
and  signals.     At  the  sound  of  the  drum,  beaten  ac- 
cording to  the  code  of  Yamashika,  nine  times  in  three 
turns,  both  the  front  and  rear  companies  are  simul- 
taneously to  advance. 

2.  Remember   the   watch- words — they   are    most 
important,  and  have  ever,  during  the  night  attacks  of 
all  ages,  been  thus  regarded. 

3.  To   the   challenge   of  "  Mountain,"   give  as  a 
counter-sign,  "  Spray,"  "  Bubble,"  or  any  word  refer- 
ring to  water. 

4.  To  the  challenge  of  "  River,"  answer  "  Rock," 
"  Valley "    or   "  Top,"    or  give  a  word  referring   to 
mountain. 

5.  Reply  as  quickly  and  as  clearly  as  possible,  and 
avoid  combating  with  a  friend. 

6.  As  soon  as  we  have  gained  an  entrance  to  the 


226  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

residence,  search  for  the  enemy's  weapons,  cut  the 
strings  of  their  bows,  destroy  the  arrows,  and  break 
the  spears. 

7.  Put  out  all  lights  and  pour  water  into  the  fire- 
boxes ;  the  darkness  will  prevent  our  opponents  from 
ascertaining  our  numbers,  and  the  steam  from  the  em- 
bers will  greatly  alarm  them.     After  that  be  ready  to 
light  your  candles. 

8 .  Each  man  shall  carry  a  bottle  of  alcohol  for  the 
purpose  of  dressing  wounds  and  making  flashes  to 
dismay  the  foe. 

9.  Each  shall  also  carry  two  candles  and  two  bam- 
boo pins  to  be  used  for  sticks. 

10.  Before  starting  take  some  medicine.     Do  this, 
no  matter  whether  you  be  well  or  sick  ;  sudden  excite- 
ment often  makes  a  strong  man  ill. 

1 1.  Do  not  fail  to  have  your  distinguishing  letter, 
not  only  on  your  uniforms,  but  also  upon  your  weapons 
and  accoutrements. 

12.  Each  shall  carry  a  yatate  (pocket  writing-case). 

13.  After  securing  an  entrance,  bar  all  the  doors 
and  guard  the  places  of  exit. 

14.  Each  shall  carry  a  blue  silk  wrapping  cloth. 

1 5.  When  Sir  Kira  is  found,  his  captors  must  blow 
three  prolonged  blasts  upon  their  whistles,  to  which 
every  one  will  respond,  then  all  will  assemble  on  the 
spot  where  he  is  discovered. 

1 6.     Do  not  kill  women  or  children,  or  any  of  the 
enemy  who  are  unarmed. 


Marshaling  the  Conspirators.  227 

At  the  moment  when  the  leaguers  were  advancing 
upon  the  residence  of  Sir  Kira,  that  noble,  inflamed 
with  his  potations,  was  reclining  upon  his  bed,  think- 
ing of  the  pleasures  he  had  lately  enjoyed,  and  never 
for  an  instant  imagining  that  the  hour  of  retribution 
was  near. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

SIR  SMALL-GROVE. 

"  Good  deeds  are  good  seeds  ; 
Bad  deeds  are  foul  weeds." 

In  chapter  eighth  I  related  the  story  of  the  young 
merchant,  Mr.  Bright-stone,  and  his  wife,  Little-tiger. 
I  will  now  fulfil  my  promise,  and  describe  how  they 
were  enabled  to  return  the  great  kindness  shown  them 
by  Sir  Small-grove,  Chief-councillor  of  Sir  Kira. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  the  young  people  were 
adopted  by  a  mirror-maker.  This  good  man  died 
within  a  few  months  after  he  received  them  into  his 
family,  on  hearing  which  Sir  Small-grove  advised  Mr. 
Bright-stone  to  remove  his  place  of  business  to  a  street 
adjoining  the  residence  of  Sir  Kira. 

On  the  night  of  the  attack,  Sir  Small-grove,  who 
had  been  all  day  in  attendance  upon  his  chief,  was 
preparing  to  retire  to  bed,  when  he  heard  the  sound  of 
a  drum  followed  by  whistling  and  the  crash  of  falling 
shutters.  Comprehending  in  a  moment  the  nature  of 
the  disturbance,  he  hastily  awoke  his  little  daughter, 

228 


Sir  Small-grave.  229 

whom  he  loved  very  dearly.  After  cautioning  the 
child  not  to  make  any  outcry,  he  took  her  in  his  arms, 
and  quitting  his  house,  hurried  across  the  enclosure  to 
a  corner  of  the  grounds  where  stood  the  temple  of  the 
god  of  war,  the  rear  eave  of  which  overhung  the  street. 
Sir  Small-grove  procured  a  fire-ladder,  and  ascending 
to  the  roof,  deposited  his  burden  upon  the  snow-clad 
slope,  then  drew  up  his  means  of  escape  and  lowered 
it  on  the  other  side  of  the  wall.  This  accomplished, 
he  took  the  child  upon  his  arm,  rapidly  descended  to 
the  street,  and  started  at  a  run  toward  the  house  of 
Mr.  Bright- stone,  the  inmates  of  which  were  fast 
asleep,  and  who  at  first  were  greatly  alarmed  by  his 
summons.  After  a  brief  delay,  during  which  they  had 
ascertained  the  name  of  their  disturber,  Mrs.  Little- 
tiger  directed  their  boy-servant  to  withdraw  the  bolts 
securing  the  entrance.  When  that  was  accomplished, 
their  visitor  pushed  aside  the  door,  and  entering  "  the 
mouth  of  the  house  "  hurriedly  handed  his  daughter 
to  the  lady,  who  anxiously  enquired  : 

"What  is  the  trouble,  Sir  Small-grove?     Is  your 
dwelling  on  fire  ?  " 

The  samurai  paused  a  moment,  then  replied  : 
"  It  is  as  I  have  often  predicted.  The  calamity,  so 
long  deferred,  has  at  length  overtaken  my  master. 
The  yashiki  is  invaded,  and  I  have  no  expectation  of 
surviving  the  combat.  For  myself  I  care  not ;  my  only 
grief  is  on  account  of  this  dear  child,  who  has  already 
lost  her  mother,  and  who,  after  my  death,  will  have  no 
one  to  care  for  her.  Remembering  this  I  have 


230  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

snatched  a  few  moments  of  most  precious  time  to 
bring  her  to  you.  My  last  wish  is  that  you  will  be- 
stow your  kindness  upon  her." 

He  then  rushed  away  without  waiting  to  hear  their 

assurance  that  "  not  even  an  ant  should  harm  the  little 

» 
one. 

Sir  Small-grove  remounted  the  useful  ladder,  and 
hastening  to  the  mansion,  threw  himself  into  the  thick 
of  the  fray,  being  particularly  anxious  to  keep  the 
leaguers  from  entering  the  sleeping  apartment  of  Sir 
Kira  before  that  noble  had  time  to  escape. 

He  guarded  the  door  with  indomitable  bravery, 
and  although  desperately  wounded,  contrived  to  keep 
his  assailants  at  bay,  until,  overpowered  by  numbers, 
he  fell  like  a  true  samurai,  and  died  in  the  act  of  de- 
fending his  chief,  his  last  effort  being  to  hurl  his 
sword  at  one  of  his  opponents. 

The  whole  mansion  was  a  scene  of  confusion,  and 
the  cries  of  the  women  and  children  rose  loud  above 
the  sounds  of  the  combat.  Barriers  were  forced,  doors 
broken  down,  and  the  banqueting  hall  with  its  decora- 
tions of  pine  trees,  crimsoned  with  the  blood  of  both 
parties. 

Outside,  the  bright  stars  twinkled  in  the  clear  sky,  and 
the  pale  moon  illuminated  the  snow-covered  landscape. 

When  the  conspirators  entered  Sir  Kira's  chamber, 
they  discovered  an  empty  bed.  Though  Sir  Big-rock 
eagerly  listened  for  the  three  blasts  upon  the  whistle, 
no  sound  was  heard  but  the  clashing  of  weapons  and 
the  execrations  of  the  combatants. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 
SIR  BIG-ROCK'S  GIFT. 

"  The  long  night  is  at  an  end. 
Brightly  shines  the  sun  of  loyalty." 

While  the  combat  was  raging  in  the  mansion  -of  Sir 
Kira,  Lady  Pine-island  was  seated  by  the  fire-box  on 
the  floor  of  her  apartment,  thinking  of  Sir  Big-rock. 

Her  companion  was  still  in  attendance  upon  their 
mistress  and  her  own  maid  away  visiting,  so  she  felt 
lonely  and  disinclined  to  seek  her  bed.  After  smok- 
ing several  pipes  she  took  the  books  from  her  sleeve, 
and  as  the  golden  moments  melted,  sat  musing  with  a 
heavy  heart,  her  thoughts  running  thus  : 

"  The  much  trusted  and  long  looked-for  Sir  Big- 
rock  has  been  here,  and  the  result  is  a  bitter  disap- 
pointment to  us  all.  How  different  he  is  to  what  we 
have  believed  him  to  be ;  how  rude  and  stupid !  Why, 
he  did  not  appear  to  understand  the  cause  of  our 
lady's  just  indignation,  and  after  outraging  her  feel- 
ings, left  these  volumes  for  her.  How  strangely  unre- 
liable is  the  human  heart !  There  is  now  no  longer 

231 


232  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

any  hope  of  avenging  the  wrongs  of  our  house.  Alas! 
how  well  I  know  it !  " 

The  hours  passed  swiftly,  and  presently  drowsiness 
overcame  her  loyal  spirit ;  her  fingers  relaxed,  the 
books  slipped  from  her  grasp  and  she  slumbered. 
Then  the  sliding-door  upon  her  right  was  gently 
pushed  back  and  some  one  stealthily  entered  the 
apartment. 

The  noise,  slight  as  it  was,  aroused  the  sleeper, 
who,  fearing  treachery,  pretended  to  be  unconscious, 
and  with  partly  opened  eyelids  watched  the  intruder, 
a  maid  servant  she  had  lately  engaged,  whom  every 
one  believed  to  be  half  witted. 

The  lady  closely  followed  the  other's  movements, 
and  soon  discovered  her  object  was  to  obtain  possess- 
ion of  the  volumes.  As  the  thief  stretched  forth  her 
hand,  Lady  Pine-island  picked  up  a  pipe  and  dealt 
her  a  sharp  blow  upon  the  knuckles.  This  did  not 
stop  the  girl,  who  seized  the  books  and  endeavored  to 
make  off  with  them  ;  whereupon  her  mistress,  who 
now  began  to  comprehend  the  creature's  treachery, 
grasped  her  by  the  robe  and  exclaimed: 

"  We  have  been  fools  to  imagine  you  were  one. 
Ah !  you  are  a  spy  sent  by  our  enemy,  Sir  Kira. 
Wretch !  I  command  you  not  to  move  another 
step." 

The  intruder  finding  herself  and  mission  discovered, 
struggled  violently  to  escape ;  however,  her  captor  held 
her  firmly,  crying : 


Sir  Big -rock's  Gift.  233 

"  Help !  help !  There's  an  evil-doer  in  my  chamber. 
In  the  name  of  our  lady,  I  entreat  for  assistance." 

There  was  a  rush  of  persons  from  all  parts  of  the 
house,  and  the  girl  was  quickly  secured  and  consigned 
to  safe  quarters. 

When  the  ladies  had  retired  and  Pine-island  some- 
what recovered  from  her  agitation,  she  took  the  books 
from  the  floor,  and  opening  the  first  of  them,  began  to 
peruse  its  contents.  After  reading  a  few  pages,  she 
placed  her  hands  upright,  palm  to  palm,  and  exclaimed: 

"  Spirits  of  my  ancestors!  what  have  I  done?  This 
very  night  Sir  Kira  is  to  be  punished.  The  death  of 
our  dear  lord  and  the  dishonors  heaped  upon  his 
house,  have  by  this  time  been  avenged.  I  now 
understand  the  motives  of  Sir  Big-rock  whom,  alas! 
we  treated  so  contemptuously.  He  feared  that  spies 
might  have  entered  our  household,  therefore  dared 
not  even  whisper  the  truth,  believing,  if  he  did  so,  the 
news  might  be  conveyed  to  Sir  Kira  and  thus  put  him 
on  his  guard.  The  Chief-councillor  indeed  came  to 
bid  us  a  long  farewell.  The  act  of  that  wretched  girl 
proves  the  vigilance  of  our  foe  and  the  necessity  for 
Sir  Big-rock's  caution.  I  must  hasten  to  my  lady  and 
communicate  this  joyful  intelligence." 

She  then  hurriedly  arranged  her  obi  (girdle),  and 
taking  the  volumes  in  her  hand  quitted  the  chamber. 
As  she  did  so  the  crowing  of  the  roosters  announced 
the  dawn  of  day. 

Upon  entering  the  corridor  she  beheld  the  ladies- 


234  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

in-waiting  sitting  in  groups,  and  heard  them  com- 
menting upon  the  events  of  the  night. 

"  Be  quick  and  prepare  yourselves  to  attend  upon 
your  mistress,"  she  cried.  "  You  will  shortly  be  re- 
quired to  receive  important  visitors."  At  these  words 
they  scattered  to  their  apartments  and  were  soon  busy 
with  combs,  powder  and  paint. 

The  chief-attendant  found  Lady  Pure-gem  asleep, 
notwithstanding  which  she  awoke  her  and  related  the 
welcome  news. 

"  Pine-island,"  joyfully  exclaimed  the  widow,  "draw 
aside  the  window-screens." 

When  this  was  done  they  beheld  the  sun-goddess 
slowly  arise  from  her  bed  among  the  purple  clouds. 
The  rays  glinted  across  the  snowy  landscape  and  all 
nature  appeared  to  rejoice,  while  the  words  written  by 
the  Chief-councillor,  illuminated  with  happiness  the 
soul  of  the  Lady  of  Ako. 

"  The  gods  be  praised ! "  she  fervently  ejaculated. 
"  The  spirit  of  my  murdered  husband  will  now  rest  in 
peace." 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

RETRIBUTION. 


"  In  the  day  of  his  power  his  voice  was  loud  and  arrogant. 
When  justice  overtook  him  he  crouched  mute  and  terrified." 


It  was  the  hour  of  the  Tiger  (4  A.  M.)  ;  the  combat 
between  the  large  body  of  well-disciplined  warriors 
who  defended  the  residence  of  Sir  Kira  and  the  small 
company  of  resolute  leaguers  was  at  an  end,  and  the 
aides  of  Sir  Big-rock  were  searching  the  yashiki  in 
order  to  discover  the  fugitive  noble,  when  Sir  Straight- 
grove  and  Sir  Lull,  Jr.,  entered  a  charcoal -house  in  the 
rear  of  the  mansion  and  began  to  probe  the  packages 
with  their  spears.  While  they  were  thus  engaged, 
some  one  secreted  behind  a  pillar  hurled  a  bag  of  char- 
coal at  Sir  Straight-grove,  then  rushed  at  him  furi- 
ously. At  the  same  instant  a  second  assailant  con- 
fronted Sir  Lull,  Jr. 

The  fight  was  brief,  and  the  conspirators  were  the 
victors. 

235 


236  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

"  Come,"  said  Sir  Straight-grove,  taking  his  dark 
lantern  from  his  belt  and  flashing  the  light  upon  the 
scene,  "  where  you  find  one  snake  it  is  as  well  to  look 
for  others.  Those  fellows  did  not  attack  us  without 
good  cause." 

They  minutely  searched  the  building,  which  was 
half  filled  with  bags  of  charcoal  and  billets  of  wood. 

"  What  is  that  in  yonder  corner  ?  "  said  Sir  Straight- 
grove,  advancing  to  the  far  end  of  the  shed.  "  Is  it  a 
dog? 

He  stooped,  and  to  his  delight  discovered  the  object 
was  a  man,  dressed  in  a  white  satin  sleeping-robe, 
blackened  all  over  with  charcoal. 

Upon  being  addressed  the  fugitive  refused  to  reply, 
finding  which  Sir  Lull,  Jr.,  dragged  him  out  of  the 
corner,  and  his  comrade,  turning  the  light  upon  the 
prisoner's  face,  exclaimed  : 

"  It  is  Sir  Kira!  There  is  the  scar  upon  his  fore- 
head !  " 

The  overjoyed  ronin  gave  the  signal  agreed  upon, 
and  the  forty-five  came  hurrying  to  the  spot. 

Sir  Big-rock  directed  the  captors  to  bring  their  pris- 
oner into  the  yard,  then  proceeded  to  ascertain  the 
truth  of  the  announcement ;  meanwhile  his  followers 
gathered  round  and  silently  awaited  the  result  of  his 
investigation.  After  looking  intently  at  the  blackened 
features  of  the  man,  he  said  : 

"  Yes,  this  is  Sir  Kira." 

He  knelt  before  the  trembling  noble,  and  addressing 
him  respectfully,  said  : 


Retribution.  237 

"  Sir  Kira,  we  are  the  retainers  of  Lord  Morning- 
field,  who,  at  your  instigation,  was  condemned  to  hara- 
kiri.  We  have  come  hither  to  avenge  him,  and  thus 
perform  our  duty  as  faithful,  loyal  men.  We  pray  you 
will  acknowledge  the  justice  of  our  purpose,  and  be- 
seech you  to  perform  upon  yourself  the  honorable 
ceremony.  I  will  have  the  honor  to  act  as  your  sec- 
ond." 

Sir  Kira  glanced  furtively  at  the  assembled  conspira- 
tors but  stubbornly  refused  to  reply,  whereupon  Sir 
Big-rock,  finding  it  was  useless  to  persuade  him  to  die 
the  death  of  a  noble,  produced  the  dirk  of  his  dead 
lord,  and  handing  it  to  Sir  Lull,  Jr.,  directed  him  to 
make  use  of  it. 

*|5  SjJ  !{»  SjC  »li  1»  V 

When  the  day  broke  the  victorious  leaguers  quitted 
the  yashiki,  and  forming  into  companies,  proceeded 
across  the  Two-provinces  Bridge  toward  the  Spring- 
hill  Temple. 

After  marching  a  short  distance,  Sir  Big-rock  or- 
dered a  halt,  and  summoning  Temple-cliff,  bade  him 
communicate  tne  news  to  Lady  Pure-gem. 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 

THE   COMMENTS   OF   THE   CROWD. 

"  I  listened  to  the  voices  of  the  people  and  heard  of  the  noble 
deed  done  in  the  night." 

The  morning  of  the  1 5th  of  December  dawned  clear 
and  bright,  and  the  household  of  Sir  Turf-ground  slum- 
bered peacefully.  To  the  family  of  a  samurai  one  day 
is  like  another,  and  there  is  no  difference  between 
the  first  month  and  the  last ;  to  the  merchant,  the 
settling  of  accounts  causes  December  to  be  a  busy 
time. 

It  was  nearly  the  hour  of  the  Dragon  (8  A.M.)  when 
Sir  Turf-ground,  who  was  still  in  bed,  heard  the  sound 
of  many  persons  passing  his  window,  and  voices  in 
loud  conversation. 

"  Look !  there  they  go  along  that  street,"  cried  one. 
"  Come  quickly." 

"  Here,  Good-fellow,  I  must  leave  you  and  hurry 
on  by  myself.  You  move  more  like  a  tortoise  than  a 
man.  We  shall  not  get  a  glimpse  of  them." 

"  Wait  a  moment.  Confound  it !  You  surely  will 

238 


The  Comments  of  the  Crowd.  239 

not  go  without  me.  I  was  the  one  to  tell  you  the 
news." 

"  Look  !  Look  !  they  are  coming  this  way,"  cried  a 
woman.  "  Hurry,  my  son,  or  we  shall  miss  them." 

Then  came  a  noise  of  persons  moving  over  the 
frozen  snow,  and  a  dull  roar,  such  as  is  made  by  a 
crowd  when  admiring  a  procession. 

At  first  Sir  Turf-ground  did  not  pay  much  attention, 
but  when  he  heard  the  people  murmuring  their  ap- 
plause, he  hurriedly  arose,  dressed  himself,  thrust  his 
swords  into  his  belt,  and  opening  the  window,  beheld 
the  people  running  toward  the  end  of  the  street.  He 
called  to  his  wife  and  while  he  was  interrogating  her, 
one  of  the  spectators  shouted  to  him,  saying  : 

"  Have  you  seen  them  ?  By  the  gods,  it  is  a  glori- 
ous spectacle ! " 

"  What  is  ?  "  demanded  Sir  Turf-ground.  "  Tell 
me  the  news." 

"  The  ronin  of  Ako  have  attacked  the  residence  of 
Sir  Kira  and  taken  his  head.  They  are  now  on  their 
way  to  deposit  it  upon  the  tomb  of  their  lord." 

As  the  man  was  speaking,  a  store-keeper  came  rush- 
ing up  the  street,  crying  : 

"  They  have  just  entered  ti\z  yashiki  of  the  Lord  of 
Sendai.  Be  quick  if  you  wish  to  see  them.  It  was  a 
sight  to  behold  the  brave  ones  forcing  their  way  in 
regular  order  and  guarding  themselves  according  to 
the  rules  of  war.  Ah!  they  are  loyal  and  faithful 
men ! " 


240  The  Loyal  Ron-ins. 

Sir  Turf-ground  listened  attentively,  his  first  thought 
being  of  his  brother,  and  he  whispered  to  his  wife  : 

"  I  am  certain  Red-fence  is  one  of  that  party." 

He  went  out  into  the  veranda  where  he  found  his 
old  servant,  who  was  on  his  knees  playing  with  a  pair 
of  puppies,  and  whom  he  thus  addressed  : 

"  First-fellow,  do  you  know  the  truth  about  this 
great  excitement  ?  " 

"  Yes,  my  master.     Upon  hearing  the  noise  I  and 
many   persons    quitted  the  yashiki  and  entered  the 
street  in  order  to  investigate  the  matter.     The  ronin 
of  Ako  have  performed  their  duty  and  are  now  return- 
ing.    I  am  sure  Sir  Red-fence  is  with  them." 

"  I  know  not  what  to  think,"  said  Sir  Turf-ground. 
"  The  other  ronin  being  the  hereditary  retainers  of 
the  Lord  of  Ako,  might  be  willing  to  avenge  their 
master's  wrongs,  but  my  brother  was  only  affiliated  to 
the  clan,  added  to  which  he  is  generally  under  the  in- 
fluence of  sak6y  and  would,  I  fear,  be  unable  to  take 
part  in  such  a  glorious  deed.  Yet  there  is  a  strange 
coincidence  between  his  message  to  me  last  night 
and  the  rumor  of  this  morning.  I  agree  with  you  in 
believing  he  is  with  them.  If  this  is  so,  it  will  be  not 
only  a  great  honor  to  him,  but  also  to  me." 

"  Honorable  master,  shall  I  run  out  and  ascertain  ?  " 

"  Stay  one  moment,  First-fellow.  If  I  send  you  on 
such  an  errand  and  my  brother  is  not  among  the  noble 
band,  I  shall  become  a  laughing-stock.  You  had  bet- 
ter go  out  as  though  by  accident.  Having  ascertained 
the  truth,  come  back  quickly." 


The  Comments  of  the  Crowd.  241 

"  Very  well,  honorable  master,  I  will  return  as  soon 
as  possible  and  ease  your  mind." 

He  ran  to  the  kitchen  and  procured  a  basket  and 
account-book,  as  if  he  were  going  to  market,  then  went 
out  by  the  side-gate  and  pushed  through  the  dense 
mass  of  people. 

After  the  servant  was  gone,  Sir  Turf-ground  paced 
the  veranda  and  prayed  to  the  gods  that  his  brother 
might  be  found  among  the  loyal  men. 

First-fellow  moved  in  and  out  between  the  specta- 
tors congregated  upon  the  avenue  leading  to  the  resi- 
dence to  the  Lord  of  Sendai,  and  kept  his  ears  open 
for  news. 

Presently  a  tall  man,  in  the  front  rank  of  the  crowd, 
looked  back  and  said  : 

"  No  one  will  be  able  to  go  any  further.  The 
watchmen  of  the  Lord  of  Sendai  have  formed  a  line 
across  the  street  in  front  of  the  residence  and  made  a 
fence  with  their  clubs." 

"  Oi,  Silver-boy !  "  cried  a  broad-shouldered  fellow, 
"  have  you  seen  them  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  caught  a  glimpse  of  the  party  as  they  en- 
tered the  gate.  They  must  have  fought  bravely,  for 
their  armor  was  cut  all  to  pieces,  and  many  of  them 
were  desperately  wounded." 

Then  a  number  of  persons  spoke  at  once,  saying  : 

"  Are  they  going  to  stay  inside  ?  " 

"  I  hope  they  will  soon  come  out." 

"  What  gallant  men  !  " 


242  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

"This  is  just  what  we  expected  of  the  ronin  of  Ako." 

Every  one  was  enthusiastic  over  the  courage  and 
loyalty  of  the  forty-seven,  and  adding  rumor  to  rumor 
in  the  exaggerated  fashion  of  a  crowd,  they  wore  the 
time  away. 

"  Pine-boy,"  exclaimed  a  young  clerk,  "  where  have 
you  been  ?  You  look  as  though  you  had  spent  the 
night  in  emptying  a  jar." 

The  man  addressed,  who  was  nodding  as  though 
half  asleep,  opened  his  eyes  and  replied  : 

"  Ah !  Seven-fields,  my  boy,  is  that  you  ?  You 
have,  as  usual,  missed  a  great  sight  by  not  going  with 
me." 

"  I  do  not  miss  your  headache,"  retorted  Seven-fields. 

"  You  are  mistaken,"  answered  the  drowsy  man. 
"  I  drank  very  little  sakt ;  the  fact  is,  I  spent  the  night 
at  the  residence  of  my  cousin,  Plum-garden,  who  lives 
near  the  yashiki  of  Sir  Kira.  As  we  were  retiring  to 
bed,  we  heard  the  sound  of  the  drum  and  the  crash  of 
the  attack,  whereupon  we  ascended  to  the  roof  of  the 
house,  which  overlooked  the  grounds  of  the  noble's 
mansion.  By  the  gods!  it  was  a  tremendous  fight. 
The  armies  on  both  sides,  with  their  banners  flying, 
fought  in  four  directions,  the  war-cry  sounding  from 
the  earth  to  the  heavens,  and  for  awhile  it  seemed  as 
if  the  mighty  mountains  would  be  rent  asunder. 
Presently,  from  the  attacking  army,  issued  a  warrior 
on  horseback,  clad  in  purple  armor,  with  a  coat  of  red 
and  white  " 


The  Comments  of  the  Crowd.  243 

"  One  moment,"  cried  Seven-fields.  "  What  are 
you  romancing  about  ?  " 

"  I  am  relating  what  I  heard  at  the  lecture  in  New 
Street  the  other  night,"  replied  the  joker.  "  Why 
don't  you  attend  there  and  illuminate  your  mind  ?  " 

The  young  men  laughed,  and  one  of  them  re- 
marked : 

"  Pine-boy,  you  are  always  telling  stories  ;  why  do 
you  not  sometimes  speak  the  truth  ?  " 

The  merry  fellow  made  a  grimace,  and  glancing 
round  him,  answered  : 

"  Because  fiction  is  considered  more  interesting  than 
history.  Oi,  you  in  the  front  rank,  do  you  see  any- 
thing of  the  second  party  of  the  ronins  ?  " 

The  people  craned  their  necks,  and  Seven-fields 
eagerly  exclaimed  : 

"  Is  there  a  second  party  ?  I  thought  all  the  lea- 
guers had  entered  the  mansion  of  the  Lord  of  Sendai." 

"  Oh !  you  are  quite  behind  the  times,"  laughingly 
remarked  Pine-boy.  "  The  second  company  is  far 
more  numerous  than  the  first.  It  is  composed  of  the 
ghosts  of  Sir  Kira's  men." 

As  he  spoke  there  was  a  movement  among  the 
watchmen  who  guarded  the  entrance  to  the  yashiki, 
and  soon  the  cry  went  up  : 

"  See,  they  are  coming  out ! " 

"  Yes,  yes,  here  they  are." 

The  people  crowded  forward,  and  the  noise  of  their 
tongues  was  like  the  roar  of  advancing  waters. 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

SIR  RED-FENCE  WINS  GOLDEN  OPINIONS. 

"  The  crooked  tree  often  produces  fine  fruit. 
A  sword  forged  by  Masamune  is  sometimes  found  in  a  second- 
hand store." 

The  ronin  had  been  entertained  by  the  Lord  of 
Sendai,  who,  on  hearing  of  their  approach,  had  sent  a 
messenger  inviting  them  to  enter  his  mansion  and  par- 
take of  refreshments  ;  his  action  showing  to  the  world 
his  thorough  approval  of  their  deed. 

Upon  quitting  his  residence  they  formed  into  three 
companies,  and  with  their  arms  ready  for  use,  marched 
boldly  forward. 

First-fellow  elbowed  his  way  into  the  front  rank  of 
the  crowd,  and  eagerly  waited  for  the  approach  of  the 
companies. 

The  vanguard,  led  by  Sir  Unconquerable,  whose 
armor  hung  about  him  like  the  rags  of  a  beggar,  went 
by,  but  though  First-fellow  closely  scanned  their  faces 
he  failed  to  see  the  object  of  his  search. 

Then  came  the  second  division,  under  Sir  Big-rock. 

244 


Sir  Red-fence  Wins  Golden  Opinions.        245 

This  company,  the  largest,  was  almost  entirely  com- 
posed of  wounded  men,  many  of  whom  were  carried 
in  kago  (litters).  As  these  passed,  the  crowd  com- 
mented upon  the  fact,  that  while  a  great  number  of 
the  defenders  of  Sir  Kira  were  killed,  not  one  of 
the  ronin  had  fallen  in  the  attack. 

First-fellow,  who  began  to  feel  very  nervous,  anx- 
iously watched  for  the  arrival  of  the  third  company. 
As  they  came  in  sight  his  apprehension  vanished,  for, 
marching  at  the  head,  he  beheld  Sir  Red-fence,  who, 
instead  of  walking  with  his  usual  unsteady  gait,  ad- 
vanced with  a  firm  step  and  a  martial  bearing  that 
elicited  the  admiration  of  the  beholders.  His  head 
was  bare,  his  helmet  being  pushed  back  and  suspended 
from  his  neck  by  its  cord ;  his  brow  was  bound  with  a 
white  ribbon,  and  in  his  hand  he  carried  a  spear. 

He  soon  perceived  his  brother's  servant,  whom  he 
beckoned  to  him  and  thus  addressed  : 

"  I  am  glad  to  see  you,  First-fellow." 

The  man  went  upon  his  knees  in  the  snow,  and 
bowing  his  head  to  the  ground,  said  : 

"  Sir  Red-fence,  I  offer  you  my  hearty  congratu- 
lations. You  look  very  weary." 

"  If  I  do,  I  am  not  sensible  of  any  such  feeling,"  was 
the  reply.  "  Last  night  I  went  to  bid  my  brother  fare- 
well, and  was  unfortunate  enough  to  miss  seeing  him, 
and,  to  add  to  my  regret,  my  sister  was  indisposed  and 
unable  to  receive  me.  After  leaving  them,  I,  with  oth- 
ers, paid  a  visit  to  Sir  Kira  whom  we  found  at  home.'* 


246  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

While  the  ronin  was  addressing  "First-fellow,  the 
latter  rubbed  his  hands  together  and  chuckled  to  him- 
self as  though  delighted  at  beholding  such  a  change 
in  his  employer's  relative,  and  when  the  latter  ceased 
speaking,  he  replied  : 

"  This  morning  as  soon  as  my  honorable  master 
was  told  of  the  attack,  he  ordered  me  to  run  with  all 
speed  and  ascertain  whether  you  were  among  the 
noble  band.  When  he  learns  the  good  news  his  heart 
will  leap  with  joy.  I  am  delighted  to  be  the  bearer  of 
such  glorious  tidings." 

Sir  Red-fence  laughed  heartily  and  said  : 

"  The  fact  was  my  brother  rather  doubted  my  pres- 
ence here  ?  Come  now,  First-fellow,  acknowledge  the 
truth." 

"  Honorable  sir,  you  are  indeed  mistaken.  The 
moment  we  heard  what  had  occurred,  my  master  and 
mistress,  myself  and  all  our  people,  immediately  said  : 
'  Sir  Red-fence  is  one  of  the  loyal  men,'  and  I  rushed 
off  to  ascertain  whether  you  were  wounded,  and  to 
learn  from  your  own  lips  the  particulars  of  the  victory." 

The  ronin  smiled  significantly  and  handed  his 
whistle  and  spear-badge  to  the  man,  saying : 

"  Present  these,  my  last  gifts,  to  my  honored  brother. 
Tell  him  that  we  have  avenged  our  master's  death  and, 
bearing  the  evidence  on  our  bodies,  are  proceeding  to 
his  tomb  at  the  Spring-hill  Temple,  where  we  hope  to 
join  our  honored  lord.  I  send  both  my  brother  and 
his  wife  a  parting  prayer  for  their  happiness."  He 


Sir  Red-fence  Wins   Golden   Opinions.        247 

next  removed  his  purse  from  his  girdle  and  presenting 
it  to  the  kneeling  man,  said  in  a  kindly  voice :  "  This 
is  for  you.  Now,  First-fellow,  I  must  hurry  away  or 
I  shall  be  left  behind.  Take  care  of  yourself  and  be 
diligent  in  the  performance  of  your  duties." 

Uttering  these  words  he  turned  and  hastened  after 
his  comrades  who  were  already  at  some  distance. 

For  a  few  moments  First-fellow  was  unable  to  sup- 
press his  joy  ;  meanwhile  the  crowd  collected  about 
him  and  began  to  ask  questions. 

"Look  at  him!"  he  cried,  as  though  the  samurai 
were  still  present.  "  Honorable  sirs,  that  is  Sir  Red- 
fence,  the  brother  of  my  honorable  master.  He  was 
adopted  into  the  family  of  Red-fence  of  the  clan  of 
Ako  and  is  one  of  the  party  of  avengers." 

"  Why,  old  fellow,"  remarked  a  tanner  among  the 
spectators,  "  what  are  you  talking  about  ?  The  gen- 
tleman you  are  praising  is  out  of  sight." 

"  Ha !  Ha  !  Ha  !  "  laughed  the  bystanders.  "  He 
is  crazy  with  joy." 

These  remarks  brought  First-fellow  to  his  senses, 
and  springing  to  his  feet  he  ran  with  all  his  speed 
toward  the  residence  of  his  employer,  whom  he  found 
anxiously  awaiting  his  arrival. 

First-fellow  fell  upon  his  knees  and,  panting,  ex- 
claimed : 

"  Honorable   master,  I  could  not  return  a  moment 

sooner." 

Sir  Turf-ground's  heart  beat  so  quickly  that  he  was 


248  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

unable  to  reply  in  his  usual  voice,  and  could  only 
whisper : 

"  Have  you  seen  my  brother  ?  Not  a  shadow  of 
him,  I  suppose  ?  " 

"  You  are  wrong,  honorable  master.  Be  happy,  he 
was  there.  I  found  the  avenues  crowded  with  people. 
Samurai,  merchants,  old  and  young,  men,  women  and 
children,  were  mingled  together  without  any  distinction. 
I  pushed  my  way  through  them  and,  as  I  neared  the 
residence  of  the  Lord  of  Sendai,  beheld  the  loyal  men 
emerging  from  the  gateway.  There  were  some  fifty 
of  them,  and  though  nearly  all  were  wounded,  they 
offered  a  bold  front  and  advanced  in  battle  array.  It 
was  a  stirring  sight." 

"  Wounded  did  you  say  ?  "  anxiously  enquired  Sir 
Turf-ground.  "  How  is  it  with  my  brother?" 

"  He  is  uninjured,"  replied  the  servant;  then,  sitting 
up,  he  slapped  his  hands  on  his  knees  and  exclaimed  : 
"  Ah !  he  is  a  brave  man.  As  he  marched  at  the  head 
of  the  third  company  every  one  applauded  him.  In- 
stead of  the  shabby  swords  to  which  our  eyes  have 
been  so  long  accustomed,  he  wore  beautiful  weapons, 
the  scabbards  of  which  were  inlaid  with  gold  and 
silver,  and  his  spear  bore  ample  evidence  of  having 
been  used.  When  he  called  '  First- fellow '  I  was  so 
overcome  that  my  heart  ceased  to  beat." 

"My  thanks  to  the  gods,"  said  Sir  Turf-ground. 
"How  bright  has  the  world  become  to  me !  " 

The   servant   took   the    whistle    and    badge    from 


Sir  Red-fence  Wins  Golden  Opinions.        249 

his  bosom  and    as   he   handed   them   to  his   master, 
said  : 

'  Sir  Red-fence  sent  these  to  you  and  bade  me  re- 
peat this  message  :  <  Brother,  I  am  on  the  road  to 
death,  receive  these  trifles  as  my  parting  gift.'  To  me 
he  gave  this  purse  of  money.  Oh!  how  we  have 
misunderstood  him  !  He  is  a  most  loyal,  noble  man." 

First-fellow  burst  into  tears,  overcome  with  the  rec- 
ollection of  the  scene  through  which  he  had  just 
passed. 

Sir  Turf-ground,  no  longer  able  to  repress  his  emo- 
tion, wept  with  joy,  feeling  happy  beyond  measure 
that  his  brother  should  have  so  nobly  fulfilled  the  first 
duty  of  a  samurai,  and  conferred  honor  upon  the  house 
of  his  ancestors. 

He  dismissed  his  servant  with  warm  words  of  ap- 
proval, and  hastened  in-doors  where  he  received  the 
congratulations  of  his  wife  and  the  maids.  The  latter 
fully  appreciated  the  gallant  conduct  of  their  master's 
relative  and  were  loud  in  their  praises  of  the  once 
despised  Red-fence. 

The  news  soon  spread  through  \hz.  yashiki,  and  the 
house  of  Sir  Turf-ground  was  crowded  with  the  clans- 
men of  Autumn-moon,  who  complimented  him  upon 
the  loyalty  of  his  brother,  all  agreeing  that  it  was  not 
only  an  honor  to  the  clan  of  Ako  but  also  to  their  own. 
In  their  enthusiasm  each  begged  for  some  memento  of 
Sir  Red-fence,  and  hearing  of  the  bottle,  asked  for  a 
few  drops  of  the  sake,  with  which  they  bathed  the 


25o  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

crowns  of  their  heads.  Having  done  this  they  put  on 
the  old  rain-hat  and  prayed  that  the  spirit  of  its  owner 
might  inspire  them  to  follow  his  example. 

Sir  Turf-ground,  who  regarded  the  earthen  vessel  as 
a  precious  relic,  wrapped  it  in  a  piece  of  purple  silk 
and  placed  it  in  a  box  among  his  treasures. 

This  souvenir  is  said  to  be  preserved  by  his  descend- 
ants, even  to  the  present  day,  and  is  the  foundation  of 
the  well-known  story  of  "  Red-fence  and  his 
bottle." 


CHAPTER    XXXVII. 

SUMMONING     THE     WITNESS. 

"  Though  the  sun  is  shining,  and  the  snow  has  melted  from  the  face  of 
nature,  our  sleeves  are  moistened  with  tears." 

While  the  ronin  were  being  entertained  by  the 
Lord  of  Sendai,  the  messenger  despatched  by  Sir 
Big-rock  arrived  at  the  residence  of  Lady  Pure-gem 
and  requested  permission  to  see  the  mistress. 

As  soon  as  his  arrival  was  announced,  Lady  Pine- 
island  entered  the  reception  hall,  and  saluting  him, 
said : 

"  I  should  imagine  by  your  appearance  that  you  are 
the  messenger  we  have  been  so  anxiously  expecting. 
Surely  I  remember  your  face.  Are  you  not  the  loyal 
soldier,  Temple-cliff?" 

He  bowed  and  replied  : 

"  That  is  my  humble  name.  I  come  from  the  Chief- 
councillor  to  bring  you  joyful  news." 

"  Follow  me,"  she  said ;  "  my  lady  must  receive 
the  information  from  your  lips." 

251 


25 2  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

She  conducted  him  to  the  presence  of  her  mistress 
and  announced  him,  saying  : 

"  This  is  Temple-cliff,  who  comes  from  Sir  Big- 
rock." 

Lady  Pure-gem  glanced  at  his  torn  garments  and 
battered  armor,  which  explained  more  eloquently  than 
words  the  desperate  nature  of  the  attack,  and  felt  that 
even  this  humble  soldier  had  done  his  duty  to  her 
beloved  husband. 

Temple-cliff  prostrated  himself  at  the  entrance  of 
the  apartment,  and  after  saluting  her,  proceeded  in  a 
rough,  yet  graphic  fashion  to  relate  the  events  of  the 
night.  His  words,  though  homely,  were  full  of  elo- 
quence, and  deeply  moved  the  hearts  of  the  listeners. 

As  he  spoke  the  tears  streamed  down  his  cheeks, 
and  at  the  conclusion  of  his  recital  he  bowed  his  head 
to  the  mat  and  remained  exhausted  with  his  effort. 

Lady  Pure-gem,  after  directing  one  of  her  attend- 
ants to  give  Temple-cliff  a  cup  of  sak6,  ordered  him  to 
be  conducted  to  a  room  where  he  received  proper 
attention  and  nourishment. 

At  the  hour  of  the  Horse  (noon),  a  number  of  per- 
sons applied  for  entrance  at  the  outer  gate,  and  upon 
being  granted  admittance,  proved  to  be  Sir  Arrow- 
head and  one  Temple-west,  a  servant  of  Sir  Big-rock. 
They  were  accompanied  by  six  footmen  and  twenty 
coolies,  who  bore  the  following  packages  : 

Three  locked  trunks  covered  with  oil  paper. 

A  wooden  box  labeled  "  Books." 


Summoning  tlie  Witness. 

A  small  box  containing  a  letter. 

Nine  thousand  rio  wrapped  in  paper. 

Lady  Pine-island  directed  the  party  to  be  con- 
ducted into  the  garden  opposite  the  room  in  which 
her  mistress  was  seated. 

When  the  messengers  saw  Lady  Pure-gem,  they 
knelt  and  bowed  their  faces  to  the  ground,  after  which 
the  coolies  and  foot-servants  advanced,  placed  their 
burdens  upon  the  veranda  and  retired  out  of  sight, 
leaving  Sir  Arrow-head  who  still  remained  in  a 
respectful  position. 

"  What  is  the  meaning  of  this  ?  "  demanded  Lady 
Pure-gem.  "  Arrow-head,  come  into  the  house  and 
explain  your  mission." 

The  samurai  rose,  stepped  upon  the  veranda,  and 
prostrating  himself,  said : 

"  Your  Lady-ship,  I  come  from  the  Chief-councillor 
who  is  now  with  the  loyal  clansmen  at  the  tomb  of  our 
honored  lord.  Sir  Big-rock  desires  me  to  say  this  to 
your  Lady-ship.  '  At  the  surrender  of  the  castle,  I,  as 
Chief-councillor,  removed  a  large  sum  of  money 
which  I  had  the  right  to  take.  I  have  expended  a 
portion  of  the  amount  for  the  support  of  certain  mem- 
bers of  the  clan  and  for  the  armor  and  weapons  re- 
quired in  carrying  out  our  duty.  There  are  nine 
thousand  rio  remaining  which  I  beg  your  Lady-ship 
will  accept.  I  also  forward  an  account  of  my  dis- 
bursements.' " 

Lady    Pure-gem   was   profoundly    moved  by   this 


254  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

speech,  which  not  only  proved  the  bravery  and  loyalty 
of  the  Chief-councillor,  but  showed  he  was  anxious  to 
provide  for  her  future  comfort. 

"  My  honored  and  beloved  husband  spoke  most 
truly,"  she  exclaimed.  "  Big-rock  is  a  man  of  a  hun- 
dred thousand,  brave,  honorable,  fertile  in  resource, 
patient  under  difficulties,  and  a  thorough  statesman. 
Can  any  one  excel  him  ?  " 

She  then  whispered  to  Lady  Pine- island  and  retired 
greatly  agitated. 

The  chief  attendant  ordered  the  servants  to  see  to 
the  messengers,  and  when  this  was  done  they  were 
conducted  to  the  apartment  of  their  mistress,  who 
feasted  them  with  many  dainties  and  rewarded  them 
with  expressions  of  approval. 

During  the  meal  she  made  minute  enquiries  concern- 
ing each  of  the  ronin,  and,  as  she  listened  to  the  sad 
stories,  wept  over  their  sufferings  and  privations. 

When  the  messengers  were  dismissed,  Temple-cliff, 
who  was  the  bearer  of  a  letter  from  Sir  Big-rock  to  his 
wife,  set  out  for  his  destination,  and  Sir  Arrow-head 
departed  for  the  Spring-hill  Temple.  As  the  samurai 
quitted  the  residence,  he  encountered  a  third  messen- 
ger, Sir  Three-village,  who,  hastily  saluting  him,  entered 
the  house  and  asked  permission  to  see  their  mistress. 

Lady  Pure -gem  immediately  agreed  to  grant  him  an 
interview. 

On  being  admitted  into  her  presence,  he  bowed 
profoundly,  and  raising  his  head,  thus  addressed  her  : 


Summoning  the  Witness.  255 

"  Honorable  mistress,  I  am  charged  to  deliver  this 
message.  '  We,  the  loyal  men,  having  betaken  our- 
selves to  the  tomb  of  our  late  lord  and  expecting  soon 
to  be  in  the  hands  of  the  authorities,  beg  that  some 
one  be  at  once  despatched  from  the  household  of  your 
Lady-ship  to  witness  the  offering  we  are  about  to  make 
to  the  spirit  of  our  honored  chief.' " 

The  lady  reflected  for  a  moment,  then  said  to  her 
chief-attendant : 

"  Pine-island,  will  you  proceed  with  all  despatch  to 
the  Spring-hill  Temple  and  in  my  name  thank  each 
of  the  loyal  retainers  for  his  devotion  to  my  never-to- 
be-forgotten  lord.  At  the  same  time  you  will  ask 
Big-rock  to  forgive  me  for  ever  having  mistrusted  him." 

Lady  Pine-island  bowed  and  replied  : 

"  I  am  conscious  of  my  inability  to  perform  so  sacred 
and  important  an  errand,  yet  to  this  and  all  your  com- 
mands I  joyfully  assent." 

She  then  dressed  herself  in  her  ceremonial  robes 
and,  entering  a  norimono  (litter),  was  borne  swiftly  from 
the  Western  Hill  to  the  region  of  the  Eastern  Sea. 

Sir  Three-village  followed  her,  and  when  they  arrived 
at  the  Spring-hill  Temple,  announced  to  the  Chief- 
councillor  : 

"Comrade,  the  witness  deputed  by  our  lady  is  in 

the  waiting-room." 

Sir  Big-rock  bowed  and  replied  : 

«  Conduct  her  hither.  We  will  now  proceed  with 
the  ceremony." 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

BURNING      THE      INCENSE. 

"  I  knelt  before  the  tomb  of  my  chief  and  reverently  addressed 
his  noble  spirit." 

The  afternoon  sun,  descending  to  its  resting-place 
behind  the  hills,  feebly  struggled  through  the  leafless 
branches  of  the  trees  that  surrounded  the  little  ceme- 
tery of  the  Spring-hill  Temple.  In  the  centre  of  the 
enclosure  was  the  tomb  of  Lord  Morning-field,  con- 
sisting of  three  tiers  of  stone,  surmounted  by  a  massive, 
upright  slab,  which  bore  the  mon  (crest)  of  the  house 
of  Ako  and  the  posthumous  name  of  the  Daimio. 

"  Reiko  in  den  Mayeno  Shosho 
Chosantayu  Suimo  Genri  Daikoji" 

[Great-peacefully-reclining- samurai  of  the  Cold-shin- 
ing mansion,  who,  blowing  aside  a  hair,  revealed  the 
hidden  spirit  of  loyalty  in  his  retainers ;  and  who,  during 
his  life,  enjoyed  the  honorable  title  of  Major-General 
and  The-great-man-having-the-privilege-of-audience- 
with-the-Mikado-(Emperor).] 

The  tomb  was  enclosed  with  a  stone   railing  and 

256 


Burning  the  Incense.  25; 

surrounded  by  a  platform  of  the  same  imperishable 
material,  the  slabs  before  the  entrance  being  de- 
pressed a  few  inches  so  as  to  form  a  pathway. 

Upon  the  second  step  rested  a  mizuhachi  (stone 
trough  for  water),  on  each  side  of  which  were  stone 
vases  containing  evergreens,  among  the  latter  being 
branches  of  the  beautiful  manrio. 

Maku  (cloth  screens  used  for  the  purpose  of  enclos- 
ing a  camp)  had  been  erected  around  the  edge  of  the 
platform,  and  the  spot  thus  shut  off  from  the  gaze  of 
the  spectators  who  swarmed  about  the  approaches  to 
the  cemetery. 

As  the  bell  of  the  temple  slowly  announced  the  hour 
of  the  Ape  (4  p.  M.),  Lady  Pine-island  was  conducted 
inside  the  enclosure  and  assigned  a  place,  after  which 
the  ronin,  who  were  resting  in  various  attitudes,  rose 
to  the  respectful  position,  and  Sir  Big-rock,  addressing 
Sir  Lull,  Jr.,  said  : 

"  Comrade,  present  our  offering." 

The  samurai  removed  the  cloth  which  covered  an 
object  resting  upon  a  white-pine  sambo,  and  raising  the 
burden,  slowly  advanced  inside  the  railings  and  depos- 
ited it  upon  the  third  step,  then  retired  backward.  As 
he  did  so  a  priest  approached  the  tomb  and  set  a 
lacquered  Dai  (stand)  upon  the  flag-stone.  On  the 
stand  was  a  bronze  urn  containing  live  charcoal,  and 
a  large  jar  filled  with  grains  of  incense. 

The  ronin  then  took  their  positions  on  the  platform, 
Sir  Big-rock  kneeling  nearest  to  the  tomb  on  the  left, 


258  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

and  the  others  forming  a  semi-circle,  his  son   occu- 
pying the  second  post  of  honor  on  the  right. 

The  scene  was  most  solemn  and  impressive,  and 
Lady  Pine-island  bowed  her  head  in  her  sleeves  and 
wept  audibly. 

Sir  Big-rock,  whose  face  was  pale  with  suppressed 
excitement,  rose,  and  advancing  to  the  incense  stand, 
prostrated  himself,  remaining  several  moments  with 
his  forehead  close  to  the  stone.  Outside  all  was 
hushed,  and  no  sound  could  be  heard  save  the  sobs  of 
Lady  Pine-island. 

After  a  long  pause  the  Chief-councillor  took  a  scroll 
from  his  bosom  and  read  as  follows  : 

"December  i5,  1701. 

"  We  have  this  day  come  to  do  homage  at  your 
tomb,  all  of  us  being  most  willing  to  lay  down  our  lives 
in  your  cause.  Spirit  of  our  dead  Lord,  we  reverently 
announce  this  to  you.  Three  years  ago,  you,  our 
honored  and  beloved  master,  were  pleased  to  attack 
Sir  Kira,  for  what  reason  we  know  not.  You,  our 
honored  and  beloved  Lord,  were  compelled  to  put  an 
end  to  your  life,  but  Sir  Kira  was  permitted  to  live. 
Although  we  fear  after  you  have  submitted  to  the  de- 
cree, you  will  be  displeased  at  our  having  resisted  it, 
still  we  could  not  refrain  from  doing  our  duty.  We 
have  eaten  your  food  and  partaken  of  your  bounty ; 
we  are  yours  in  all  things  and  have  ever  remembered 
the  command  of  Confucius.  We  would  not  dare  to 
present  ourselves  before  you  in  paradise  without  having 


Burning  the  Incense. 

carried  out  the  vengeance  you  began.  '  Every  day  we 
have  waited  has  appeared  like  three  autumns',  yet,  not- 
withstanding our  loyal  desire,  three  autumns  have 
come  and  gone  since  we  received  your  legacy.  Verily 
'  we  have  trodden  the  snow  for  one  day,  nay,  for  two 
days,  and  have  tasted  food  but  once.'  The  old,  feeble 
and  sick,  the  young  and  strong,  have  come  here  joy- 
fully to  end  their  lives.  Although  men  laughed  at  us 
as  at  the  sickle-insect,  which,  trusting  in  the  strength 
of  its  puny  weapon,  will  attack  a  team  of  horses  and 
bring  itself  to  grief,  we  have  never  halted  in  our  duty. 
Your  enemy  has  hidden  himself  like  a  bat,  and  we 
have  had  great  difficulty  in  finding  him  at  home.  Last 
night  we  called  at  his  residence,  and  this  day  have 
escorted  him  to  your  tomb." 

The  Chief-councillor  paused  in  his  reading,  and  pro- 
ducing the  dirk  from  his  bosom,  rose,  advanced  to  the 
sambo  and  deposited  the  weapon  by  the  offering ;  then 
returned,  knelt  behind  the  incense-stand  and  resumed: 

"  This  dirk,  which  you,  our  honored  and  beloved 
Lord,  used  upon  your  enemy  and  employed  to  sever 
the  thread  of  your  existence,  and  which,  in  your  last 
hour,  you  solemnly  committed  to  our  charge,  we  now 
return.  If  your  noble  spirit  be  present,  we  entreat  you, 
as  a  token,  to  once  more  grasp  your  weapon,  and,  a 
second  time,  strike  the  head  of  your  foeman  and  thus 
forever  end  your  feud. 

"  This  is  the  prayer  of  your  forty-seven  humble 
retainers." 


260  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

Sir  Big-rock  placed  the  document  upon  the  tomb 
and  all  present  prostrated  themselves. 

After  a  moment  that  seemed  like  an  age,  they  felt 
the  massive  structure  shaken  as  though  by  an  earth- 
quake, then  came  the  sound  of  a  dull  thud,  resembling 
the  stroke  of  a  dirk,  and  the  weapon  dropped  from  its 
place  and  fell  near  the  right  hand  of  Sir  Big-rock,  who 
reverently  received  the  gift,  and  raising  it  to  his  fore- 
head, cried  : 

"  Master,  we  thank  thee !  Now,  come  what  may, 
we  fear  not,  for  you  have  approved  of  our  deed.  O 
noble  spirit !  wait  a  little  longer  and  you  shall  be  once 
more  surrounded  by  your  loyal  retainers." 

The  ronin  listened  to  this  speech  with  awed  faces, 
then  bowed  to  the  ground  and  wept  tears  of  joy. 

When  they  became  somewhat  composed,  the  Chief- 
councillor  took  a  few  grains  of  incense  from  the  vessel, 
and  throwing  them  upon  the  burning  embers,  ex- 
claimed : 

"  As  this  sweet  perfume  ascends  from  this  vase,  so 
will  my  soul  soon  leave  its  worthless  body  and  join 
thee,  my  honored  and  beloved  Lord,  in  the  land  of 
shadows." 

He  returned  to  his  seat,  and  taking  the  roll-call, 
opened  it  and  said  in  a  firm  voice  : 

"  Big-rock,  Jr." 

His  son  bowed,  and  addressing  his  parent,  said : 

"  Sir  Chief-councillor,  there  are  others  who  should 
precede  me  in  this  solemn  act.  Sir  Straight-grove, 


Burning  the  Incense.  261 

Sir  Lull,  Jr.,  Sir  Common,  Sir  Hatchet,  Sir  Uncon- 
querable, Sir  Cliff-side,  Sir  Thousand-cliffs,  Sir  Island- 
in-the-front,  Sir  Red-fence,  Sir  Shell,— nay  all  should 
precede  me.  I,  being  the  junior,  ought  to  be  the  last 
to  make  my  respectful  offering." 

The  ronin  admired  the  humility  of  their  young  com- 
rade, and  murmured  approvingly ;  then  Sir  Big-rock 
said  : 

"  Your  words  fill  me  with  happiness ;  Sir  Straight- 
grove  and  Sir  Lull,  Jr.,  shall  precede  you." 

Sir  Straight-grove  advanced  and  performed  the 
solemn  rite,  then  bowing  a  second  time,  prayed  for 
the  repose  of  his  mother's  soul. 

Sir  Lull,  Jr.,  took  a  large  pinch  of  incense,  the 
smoke  of  which  was  wafted  like  a  dark  cloud  toward 
the  offering  on  the  sambo. 

As  Sir  Big-rock,  Jr.,  returned  to  his  place  he  be- 
held, above  the  canvas  screen  surrounding  the  tomb, 
the  peak  of  Fuji-yama,  and  remembering  his  wish, 
smiled  and  saluted  it. 

Sir  Lucky-field,  an  old  man  who  followed  him,  on 
resuming  his  seat,  thought : 

"  The  sun  of  to-day  has  dispelled  the  heavy  snow  of 
yesterday.  The  act  I  have  just  performed  has  relieved 
my  soul  of  a  grievous  burden." 

Next  came  Sir  Lucky-field,  Jr.,  who,  like  his  father, 
felt  at  peace  with  all  the  world,  and  made  his  offering 
with  a  heart  full  of  gratitude. 

This  young  man  was  succeeded  by  Sir  Common. 


262  TJte  Loyal  Rcnins. 

As  the  latter  shook  the  incense  upon  the  coals,  big 
tears  trickled  down  his  cheeks,  for  he  remembered  the 
heroic  deed  performed  by  his  mother. 

Following  him  came  Sir  Hatchet  who  was,  as  usual, 
calm  and  dignified.  After  he  had  performed  the  rite, 
he  seated  himself  next  to  Sir  Common,  and  bowing 
his  head,  thought : 

"  The  approval  of  our  Lord  fills  our  hearts  with  hap- 
piness, the  reflection  of  which  will  render  joyful  those 
who  are  dear  to  us." 

While  he  was  thinking,  his  adopted  son,  Sir  Hatchet, 
Jr.,  made  his  offering. 

Then  came  Sir  Moat,  Sr.,  a  very  old  man,  who  had 
been  desperately  wounded  in  the  attack,  and  who  was 
supported  by  his  son,  Sir  Moat,  Jr.  The  patriarch 
spilt  some  of  the  incense,  noticing  which  he  said  : 

"  That  is  a  good  omen  ;  I  shall  not  die  of  my  wounds, 
but  shall  end  my  life  like  the  rest  of  my  comrades." 

After  father  and  son  had  returned  to  their  places, 
Sir  Lull,  Sr.,  feebly  rose,  and  motioning  his  sons  to  re- 
main seated,  crawled  toward  the  incense  stand,  drag- 
ging his  left  limb,  which  bore  a  frightful  wound.  Not- 
withstanding his  injuries,  he  made  his  offering  in  a 
resolute  manner  and  spoke  in  a  voice  audible  to  those 
outside  the  enclosure. 

This  brave  man  was  followed  by  his  second  son, 
who,  having  performed  the  loyal  rite,  returned  to  his 
parent,  when  the  latter  said  : 

"  My  only  regret  is  I  have  not  forty-seven  sons  to 
join  in  this  joyful  ceremony.' 


Burning  the  Incense.  263 

He  was  succeeded  by  Sir  Shoal,  Sir  Shoal,  Jr.,  Sir 
Inner-field  and  Sir  Inner-field,  Jr.,  who  burnt  incense 
and  addressed  the  spirit  of  their  dead  Lord. 

"  Sir  Shell!"  called  the  Chief-councillor. 

The  young  rontn,  who  had  sacrificed  so  much, 
advanced  with  a  firm  step,  and  being  unable  to  use  his 
right  arm,  made  his  offering  with  his  left.  He  bowed 
silently  and  invoked  the  spirit  of  his  chief,  saying  : 

"  O,  beloved  master !  I  pray  you  remember  my 
helpless  wife  and  child!" 

As  he  rose,  Sir  Cliff-side  prepared  to  take  his  place. 
He,  too,  thought  of  his  family,  but  remembering  the 
words  of  his  wife  and  the  benevolent  act  of  the  god- 
Fox  felt  comforted. 

This  noble  samurai  was  followed  by  Sir  Tide-field 
and  Sir  Rich-grove,  who,  being  severely  wounded, 
were  carried  by  their  comrades,  Sir  Arrow-head  and 
Sir  Swift- water.  These  assisted  the  maimed  men  to 
make  their  offerings. 

Sir  Pure  then  advanced,  and  having  performed  the 
rite,  resumed  his  seat,  thinking  : 

"  I  shall  soon  make  my  last  journey.  This  time  I 
shall  not  require  kago"  (alluding  to  his  quick  and  pain- 
ful trip  from  Yedo  to  Ako). 

Sir  Red-fence  next  responded  to  his  name  and 
reverently  followed  the  example  of  his  comrades.  As 
he  resumed  his  seat,  he  produced  a  bottle  and  cup, 
and  addressing  the  Chief-councillor,  said  in  a  low 
voice : 


264  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

"  Having  accomplished  the  duty  required,  I  will 
now  empty  a  cup  cf  congratulation." 

Sir  Big-rock  did  not  reply,  knowing  full  well  it 
would  be  easier  to  check  a  mountain  torrent  than  to 
prevent  sakd  from  descending  his  comrade's  throat. 

Sir  Tree-village,  Sir  Rush-valley,  Sir  Near-pine,  Sir 
Thousand-horses,  Sir  Cedar-field,  Sir  Cliff-island  and 
Sir  Middle-village  then  answered  to  the  summons, 
five  of  them  being  too  badly  crippled  to  burn  the 
incense  without  help. 

"  Sir  Unconquerable !  " 

The  ronin  rose  slowly ;  as  he  did  so  the  remnants  of 
his  armor  fell  upon  the  pavement,  noticing  which  he 
kicked  them  aside  and  advanced  to  the  stand. 

This  samurai  took  a  handful  of  incense,  and  while  it 
was  being  consumed,  grimly  watched  the  object  on 
the  sambo.  He  then  offered  a  briel  prayer ;  as  he  re- 
sumed his  place  he  said  to  Sir  Hatchet : 

"  The  falling  of  the  fragments  of  my  armor,  and  my 
ragged  condition,  reminded  me  of  the  time  when  you 
called  my  name  from  the  portal  of  the  castle,  though 
then  my  heart  was  heavily  burdened,  while  now  it  is, 
like  my  body,  free  from  encumbrances." 

After  him  came  Sir  Village-pine,  Sr.,  Sir  Store- 
bridge,  Sir  Village-pine,  Jr.,  Sir  Faithful-friend,  Sir 
Rush -field,  Sir  Arrow-field,  Sir  Victory-field,  Sir  Cliff- 
field,  Sir  Cross-river  and  Sir  Three-village.  These 
men  being  among  the  wounded,  though  not  completely 
disabled,  assisted  one  another. 


Burning  the  Incense.  265 

i 

When  they  had  retired,  Sir  Island-in-the-front,  Sir 
Thousand-cliffs  and  Sir  Big-eagle,  made  their  offer- 
ings. The  Chief-councillor  then  said  in  a  loud  voice  ; 

"Temple-cliff!"  adding:  "In  the  absence  of  our 
brave  comrade,  I  will  perform  the  rite  for  him." 

Sir  Big-rock  burnt  the  incense,  having  done  which 
he  sent  to  the  chief-priest,  who,  with  his  assistants, 
entered  the  enclosure,  and  advancing  before  the  tomb, 
offered  prayers,  to  which  the  ronin  listened  respect- 
fully. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  ceremonies,  the  Chief- 
councillor  bowed  to  the  Sojo  (superior  of  the  priests) 
and  said  : 

"  Will  your  reverence  be  good  enough  to  take 
charge  of  our  offering  and  have  it  disposed  of  accord- 
ing to  the  usual  custom  ?  " 

The  Sojo  gravely  returned  his  salute  and  replied  : 

"  Sir  Big- rock,  it  is  our  duty  to  attend  to  the 
dead." 

After  the  priests  had  retired,  Lady  Pine -island  com- 
pleted her  errand,  and,  in  the  name  of  her  mistress, 
thanked  the  loyal  men  for  their  devotion  to  their  late 
lord  ;  then  addressing  the  Chief-councillor,  commenced 
the  message  she  was  charged  to  deliver,  on  hearing 
which  he  politely  interrupted  her,  saying : 

"  Pardon  me,  I  only  carried  out  the  last  wishes  ot 
my  honored  and  beloved  chief.  My  honored  mistress 
thinks  too  much  of  the  poor  services  I  have  been  able 
to  render  her."  He  bade  the  lady  a  respectful  fare- 


266  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

well,  remarking  :  "  You  were  indeed  fortunate  to  be 
present  when  the  spirit  of  our  honored  chief  gave  its 
approval  to  the  act  we  have  performed.  May  you  al- 
ways be  happy  and  enjoy  good  health." 

As  he  finished  speaking,  one  of  the  priests  ap- 
proached him  and  said  : 

"  Sir  Big-rock,  the  officers  of  the  Sho-gun  are  in 
the  reception  hall  and  desire  your  attendance." 

•I?  SjC  JjC  Jji  S|»  9f*  3f» 

At  the  hour  of  the  Hog  (8  p.  M.)  a  procession  left  the 
grounds  of  the  Spring-hill  Temple.  First  came  a 
number  of  armed  retainers  carrying  lanterns,  decorated 
with  the  mon  (crest)  of  Lord  Narrow-river,  Prince  of 
Higo,  who  guarded  a  body  of  the  ronin,  including  Sir 
Big-rock.  Next  a  second  detachment,  consisting  of 
samurai  in  the  service  of  Lord  Pine-plain,  escorting 
twelve  of  the  ronin,  Sir  Big-rock,  Jr.,  being  among  the 
number.  Following  these  marched  the  retainers  of 
Lord  Mori,  who  were  in  charge  of  the  third  division 
of  prisoners  ;  then  came  a  party  of  ronin  who  were  in 
the  custody  of  samurai  belonging  to  the  house  of 
Lord  Water-field. 

They  moved  silently  and  proceeded  slowly,  in  order 
that  the  coolies  bearing  the  litters  which  contained 
the  wounded,  might  not  increase  the  sufferings  of  the 
loyal  men. 

Upon  reaching  the  heart  ot  the  city  the  procession 
separated,  and  the  officers  in  charge  conveyed  their 
prisoners  to  the  yashiki  of  their  respective  lords. 


Burning  the  Incense.  267 

From  that  time,  pending  the  decision  of  the  author- 
ities, the  ronin,  though  treated  with  the  greatest  con- 
sideration, were  neither  permitted  to  receive  visits 
from  their  friends  nor  communicate  with  them.  They 
were,  in  fact,  dead  to  the  world. 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

THE  RONINS  REJOIN  THEIR  LORD. 

"  Fully  conscious  of  having  performed  my  duty,  I  joyfully  salute 
the  messenger  of  death." 

The  authorities,  having  imprisoned  the  ronin,  were 
exceedingly  perplexed  how  to  act,  their  sympathy  be- 
ing entirely  with  the  loyal  band. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  4th  of  February,  1702, 
Lord  Narrow-river  entered  the  hall  in  which  Sir  Big- 
rock  and  his  companions  were  confined,  and  after  en- 
quiring concerning  their  condition,  said  : 

"  It  appears  to  me  you  must  feel  very  weary  of  this 
sort  of  existence  ;  however,  be  the  news  good  or  bad, 
I  imagine  you  will  soon  hear  from  the  Council.  Al- 
though you  are  not  permitted  to  receive  favors  from 
your  friends,  still  there  is  no  law  to  prevent  me  from 
endeavoring  to  serve  you  after  your  sentence  is 
passed.  Can  I,  in  any  way,  show  my  appreciation  of 
your  loyalty  ?  " 

Sir  Big-rock  gravely  saluted  him,  and  replied  : 

"  My  Lord,  in  the  name   of  my  comrades,  I   thank 

268 


Last  writing  of  Sir  Big-rock. 
"  .I/a  ureshi  ounnwa  haruru  miioa  sutzuru 
Ukivons  tztiki  ni  kakaru  knmonashi 

Yoshio  " 


Chap,  ixxii    p. 


TJte  Ronins  Rejoin  tlieir  Lord.  269 

you  for  the  many  kindnesses  we  have  enjoyed  at  your 
hands.  Your  benevolence  has  made  us  forget  we 
were  prisoners  and  emboldens  us  to  ask  this  favor. 
We  desire  that  our  bodies  may  find  a  resting-place 
near  the  tomb  of  our  beloved  chief.  Could  we  be  as- 
sured of  this,  we  should  die  without  a  shadow  of  re- 
gret." 

The  daimio,  who  was  greatly  affected  by  this  speech, 
thought  for  a  moment  and  replied  : 

"  Unfortunately  I  have  no  authority  in  such  a  mat- 
ter, yet  I  here  pledge  my  honor  to  do  everything  in 
my  power  to  bring  about  what  you  so  ardently  wish. 
Rest  assured  it  shall  be  accomplished.  I  have  now  a 
favor  to  ask — a  souvenir  of  yourself — which  I  will  be- 
queath to  my  descendants  as  a  precious  relic." 

Sir  Big-rock  went  to  the  writing-stand,  took  up  a 
brush  and  wrote  : 

"  Ara  ^lresh^,  omoiwa  harura  miwa  sutzuru  ; 

Ukiyono  tzuki  ni  kakaru  kumonas/ii." 
("  I  am  indeed  happy,  for  my  desire  is  accomplished, 

though,  in  doing  it,  I  have  sacrificed  my  life. 
The  moon  is  no  longer  obscured  by  clouds.") 

He  then  bowed  respectfully  and  handed  the  paper 
to  the  daimiOi  who  received  it  with  many  expressions 
of  satisfaction. 

As  the  noble  ceased  speaking,  an  officer  entered 
and  announced  the  arrival  of  the  commissioners  of  the 
Sho-gun,  whereupon  Lord  Narrow-river  saluted  the 
ronin  and  quitted  the  hall.  After  a  brief  interval,  one 


270  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

of  his  councillors  entered,  and  behind  him  came  a 
number  of  retainers  bearing  white  dresses  and  kami- 
shimo  (ceremonial  costumes),  which  they  distributed 
among'  the  prisoners,  who  were  requested  to  prepare 
themselves  for  their  sentence. 

The  ronin  cast  aside  their  garments  and  joyfully  as- 
sumed the  snowy  robes ;  having  done  which  they  fol- 
lowed their  guide  to  the  audience  chamber,  where  they 
found  the  commissioners  and  Lord  Narrow-river,  be- 
fore whom  they  prostrated  themselves  and  remained 
in  the  respectful  attitude.  The  elder  of  the  visitors 
took  a  paper  from  the  bosom  of  his  garment,  and  after 
glancing  at  Lord  Narrow-river,  read  as  follows  : 

"  Big-rock,  late  Chief-councillor  of  Lord  Morning- 
field,  the  daimio  of  Ako,  and  forty-six  others. 

"  You,  men,  neither  respecting  the  dignity  ot  the 
city  nor  the  laws  of  the  country,  having  conspired 
against,  broken,  by  night  into  the  house  of,  and  slain, 
Sir  Kira,  the  late  master  of  ceremonies  to  the  august 
Sho-gun,  lyetzuna,  are,  for  your  audacious  conduct, 
hereby  sentenced  to  perform  hara-kiri.  In  addition 
to  this  your  descendants  are  banished  to  the  island  of 
Oshima,  there  to  remain  during  the  pleasure  of  the 
authorities." 

To  this  the  ronin  replied,  as  with  one  voice  : 

"  We  acknowledge  the  justice  of  our  sentence  and 
gratefully  return  our  thanks  for  being  permitted  to  die 
such  an  honorable  death." 

The  commissioners  .quitted  the  hall  and  proceeded 


TJu  Ronins  Rejoin  their  Lord.  271 

to  the  residences  of  the  daimio  who  had  charge  of  the 
other  ronin,  to  whom  they  likewise  communicated  the 
sentence. 

At  the  hour  of  the  Snake  (10  A.  M.)  Sir  Big-rock  and 
his  companions  were  kneeling  in  two  rows  upon  thick 
mats  placed  in  the  court-yard  of  the  yashiki  of  Lord 
Narrow-river,  behind  each  ronin  being  two  officers 
who  were  to  act  as  their  kaishiyaku  (seconds). 

In  front  of  the  condemned  men  knelt  several  sam- 
urai of  the  clan  of  Higo,  who  were  present  as  witnes- 
ses for  their  lord. 

At  the  same  hour  and  moment  a  similar  scene  was 
enacted  in  fa&  yashiki  of  Lord  Pine-plain,  Lord  Mori, 
and  Lord  Water-field. 

Sir  Big-rock,  whose  face  and  bearing  betokened  the 
happiness  that  possessed  his  soul,  turned  to  his  com- 
panions and  said  in  a  loud,  clear  voice  : 

"  Comrades,  we  will  now  meet  our  last  enemy!  " 
*  *  ***** 

Before  the  sound  of  the  temple  bells  had  ceased  to 
vibrate  on  the  air,  forty-six  shadowy  forms,  headed  by 
the  spirit  of  Sir  Big-rock,  fell  into  line  and  began  their 
march  down  the  Lonely-Road. 

Together  they  mounted  the  Hill  of  Death,  together 
halted  at  the  place  where  the  three  roads  meet ;  here 
they  stripped  off  their  white  robes,  which  they  handed 
to  Sanzu-no  Baba,  and  boldly  plunging  into  the  dark 
river,  passed  over  to  Gokuraku  (Paradise),  where  they 
were  welcomed  by  the  spirit  of  their  beloved  chief. 


CHAPTER  XL. 

THE  RETURN  OF  THE  EXILES. 

"  He,  who  is  dutiful  to  his  parents,  will  be  loyal  to  his  chief. 
A  loyal  man  cannot  fail  to  be  patrotic." 

The  snows  oi  eight  winters  had  fallen  upon  the 
bamboos  surrounding  the  cemetery  of  the  Spring-hill 
Temple,  where  forty-seven  tombs  marked  the  resting- 
places  of  the  loyal  men  of  Ako. 

On  the  morning  of  the  4th  of  February,  1710,  a  lady 
accompanied  by  two  handsome  young  men,  who 
carried  in  their  hands  bouquets  of  flowers,  and  followed 
by  a  servant,  entered  the  enclosure  and  proceeded  to 
a  tomb  which  bore  the  inscription  : 

"  Zinkuan yoken  shinshi" 

("  A  true  samurai,  who  set  an  example  to  all  and  who 
used  his  sword  where  it  was  required.") 

The  visitors  were  the  widow  and  sons  of  Sir  Cliff- 
side,  and  the  servant  was  Original-help,  who  had  on 
that  day  returned  from  their  place  of  exile  and  come 
to  make  offerings  at  the  grave. 

272 


The  Return  of  the  Exiles.  273 

After  sweeping  the  tomb,  they  burnt  incense  and 
repeated  prayers,  then  proceeded  to  the  temple  where 
they  found  assembled  many  relatives  and  friends  of 
the  dead  heroes,  who,  like  themselves,  had,  by  the  ac- 
cession of  a  new  Sho-gun,  been  released  from  banish- 
ment. 

When  all  had  thanked  the  Sojo  for  the  care  he  had 
bestowed  upon  the  graves,  they  went  to  an  adjoining 
apartment  where  they  were  shown  the  battered  armor 
and  weapons  of  the  forty-seven  ronin. 

Among  the  party  were  the  wife  and  two  sons  of  Sir 
Big-rock,  the  wife  and  son  of  Sir  Shell,  the  family  of  Sir 
Common,  Miss  Quiet,  the  betrothed  of  Sir  Cliff-field, 
Lady  Pine-island,  and  the  loyal  contractor,  Noble- 
plain,  whose  participation  in  the  conspiracy  had  caused 
him  to  be  banished  with  the  families  of  the  samurai. 

Mrs.  Brilliant  was  not  among  the  number,  as  on  the 
day  of  her  husband's  death,  she  had  joined  him  in 
paradise. 

The  visitors  bowed  before  the  souvenirs,  which  they 
regarded  as  good  Buddhists  do  the  relics  ot  their 
saints. 

At  the  hour  of  the  Snake  (10  A.M.)  the  priests  led 
the  way  to  the  chapel  of  the  temple.  When  all  had 
taken  their  places  upon  the  matted  floor,  the  venerable 
superior  ascended  the  platform,  and  placing  his  hands 
upright,  palm  to  palm,  offered  prayers,  after  which  he 
thus  addressed  the  congregation  : 

"  How  can   I  find  words  to  express  the  feelings  of 


274  The  Loyal  Ronins. 

my  heart.  My  aged  tongue  can  but  imperfectly  speak 
the  praises  due  to  the  loyal  men,  whose  armor  and 
weapons  you  have  just  worshiped  ;  who  suffered  so 
greatly  and  died  so  nobly.  Oh,  you  are  the  favored 
ones ;  the  gods  have  indeed  been  good  to  you ;  you 
are  the  descendants,  relatives  and  friends  of  Immor- 
tals! Through  all  ages  and  changes,  the  names  and 
fame  of  the  loyal  men,  whose  bodies  rest  beneath  yon- 
der tombs,  will  be  remembered  with  respect  and  ad- 
miration. Their  glorious  deed  will  shine  like  a  torch 
at  night,  and  the  whole  world  shall  ring  with  their 
praise!  They  were  dutiful  sons,  therefore  were  loyal 
men  !  They  were  loyal  men,  therefore  were  patriots ! 
They  have  set  an  example  which  will  be  followed  for- 
ever and  ever,  and  the  *  day  will  surely  come  when 
their  worth  will  be  recognized  in  the  highest  place  (by 
the  Mikado).  You,  their  sons,  have  an  inheritance 
that  will  make  you  envied  by  all  men.  It  is  for  you 
to  follow  in  the  footsteps  of  your  fathers.  You,  wid- 
ows, how  glorious  is  your  dower!  You,  friends  of 
the  departed  heroes,  how  priceless  your  legacies !  I 
salute  you  all,  favored  ones,  and  welcome  you  back 
from  exile ! " 

He  then  briefly  reviewed  the  lives  of  the  forty- 
seven,  pausing  frequently  to  wipe  the  tears  from  his 
cheeks.  His  eloquence  deeply  moved  the  listeners, 
who,  from  time  to  time,  uttered  pious  ejaculations  and 

*This  prophecy  has  been  fulfilled,  H.  I.  M.  Mutsuhito  having  in  the  year 
1869  bestowed  upon  the  tomb  of  Sir  Big-rock  the  high  honor  of  the  Golden- 
leaf,  thus  recognizing  the  devotion  of  the  loyal  ronin. 


The  Return  of  the  Exiles.  2  7  5 

bathed  their  sleeves  with  the  dews  of  sorrow  and 
joy. 

When  he  had  eulogized  all  the  martyrs,  he  thus 
concluded  his  oration  : 

"  The  record  of  their  sufferings,  their  heroism,  and 
their  loyalty,  is  engraved  upon  a  golden  tablet,  and 
the  friction  of  time,  which  obliterates  most  things,  will 
only  add  lustre  to  their  honorable  names." 

THE    END. 


A    000  056  328    8 


